Patent Publication Number: US-11638471-B2

Title: Antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal reversible athletic bag with dual purpose strap

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/039,796 filed on Jul. 19, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     An athletic bag comprises 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. The athletic 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 athletic bag may also include at least one insert to store various items. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram of a perspective view of a portion of a material for the outside and inside of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand bag. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack. 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of an athletic equipment bag. 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hand bag. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic equipment bag. 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
         FIG.  14    is a communication diagram of an antibacterial monitoring mechanism. 
         FIG.  15    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Athletic bags are a popular asset for individuals participating in most recreational and travel activities. Athletic bags provide the ability to carry recreational materials, clothing, food, mobile devices, etc., making it easier to travel to and from various recreational activities and locations. These bags are essentially used in recreational spaces including gyms, schools, bathrooms, locker rooms, public spaces, and outdoors settings. These bags are also used while traveling on various transportation vehicles including automobiles, bicycles, trains, metros, and planes. 
     Current athletic bags may be oversized in order to accommodate large items used for recreational activities and travel. As a result, individuals traveling or participating in an activity that involves smaller equipment or less materials must carry around bulkier bags, and therefore require a more compact bag for transport and storage. Current compact bags, however, specifically for light recreational activities and fitness activities such as yoga, Pilates, or regular gym exercise, often cannot fit more than one piece of equipment (e.g., an exercise mat) that may be needed for the activity. This may inconvenience the user who requires multiple small items for exercise or travel (e.g., food and water, mobile devices, an exercise mat, exercise or stretching band, and/or yoga blocks). 
     In addition to lacking accommodating features, athletic bags are prone to harboring various types of bacteria, mold, and fungi growth. For example, when an athletic bag is placed on the floor of a gym, bathroom, or other public space, the bag can come into contact with bacteria including norovirus,  salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli , etc. In addition, storing damp or sweaty clothes in an athletic bag after a recreational activity can increase the rapid growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold spores. These microorganisms can be transported from the various environments listed above into personal environments (e.g., vehicles, offices, homes) and could potentially contaminate these spaces. 
     Current bags also typically do not possess antibacterial or antimicrobial properties to account for the bag&#39;s exposure to bacteria, mold, and fungi growth during recreational use or travel. Typical antibacterial bags may incorporate a silver coating on the bag&#39;s surface material, as silver kills hundreds of different types of bacteria and is known for its antibacterial efficacy in different fields. These bags, however, are currently not extremely effective in preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi, because the percentage of silver incorporated into the fabric is extremely low. The fabric comprising these bags therefore cannot kill large amounts of bacteria due to the low concentration of silver. The coatings also typically wear off with use. In addition, the silver or other antibacterial properties typically only comprise either the interior portion or the exterior portion of the bag, and not both. As a result, one portion of the bag may be constantly susceptible to bacteria, mold, and fungal growth. 
     It would be beneficial to offer an athletic bag that is antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, or mold/mildew-resistant, with a dual purpose strap that can be used as recreational or travel equipment during recreational activities or travel to provide a compact and clean bag for use. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram of a perspective view of an athletic bag  100  in accordance with the teachings herein. The athletic bag  100  comprises a body  102  and a strap  104 . In the present embodiment, the body  102  may be similar in shape to a rectangular prism. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  102  may be any shape. The body  102  comprises an exposed outside  106  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  102  is reversible. In other embodiments, the body  102  may not be reversible. The outside  106  and the inside of the body  102  may be made of similar material with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and mold/mildew-resistant properties. The outside  106  and the inside may also have stain, scuff, abrasion, and water-resistant and UV protection properties. The outside  106  and the inside may also be crack-proof. 
     In the present embodiment as described hereinafter, the athletic bag  100  may be used to store recreational and travel materials, and for purposes of explanation, the athletic bag  100  will be described with reference to recreational and travel bags. However, those of skill in the art would realize that in other embodiments, the properties described may be applied to leisure, fashion, home, and work bags as well. 
     Returning to  FIG.  1   , in the present embodiment, the body  102  further comprises three similar proximal faces  102 A, two similar distal end faces  102 B, and a top proximal face  102 C. The top proximal face  102 C of the body  102  may include a zipper  110  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zipper  110  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  106  and the inside (not depicted) of the body  102  may include latches  112  to attach and detach the strap  104 . 
     The strap  104  may be a dual-purpose strap. In the present embodiment, the strap  104  may serve as an exercise or yoga band, but that is just by way of example. The strap  104  may be made of a material that is flexible and conformable in order to be used as an exercise or stretching band, but also comfortable to carry and transport the athletic bag  100 . The strap  104  may therefore be made of an elastic or other soft material with elastic and stretchable properties, and may also have antibacterial, mold/mildew-resistant and water-resistant webbing. The strap  104  may also be adjustable. In one embodiment, the strap  104  may serve as a travel belt that can be attached around a user and can allow various recreational and travel items to be attached along the length of the belt. In other embodiments, the strap  104  may serve as other types of recreational equipment such as an exercise or stretching band. This will allow for the bag to be more compact because it does not have to incorporate room for exercise or stretching bands, but also provide convenience in carrying the bag to recreational activities. 
       FIG.  2    is a diagram of a perspective view of a portion of a material  200  for the outside  206  and inside (not depicted) of an athletic bag. The material  200  comprises an inner fabric layer  202  and an outer layer  204 . The outer layer  204  may contain antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew growth on both the outside  206  and the inside of the bag. The material  200  of the athletic bag may include an inner fabric layer  202  sandwiched between two outer layers  204  to allow the athletic bag to be reversible with antibacterial properties on both sides of the material  200 . In the present embodiment, the inner fabric layer  202  is made of a vinyl material to allow for the bag to be both durable and flexible for storage and transport. In one embodiment, Silvertex vinyl may be used. In an alternative embodiment, marine vinyl may be used as the material  200 . The marine vinyl may include silver embedded within the material and may therefore be reversible with antibacterial properties on both sides of the marine vinyl without the need for an outer layer  204 . 
     The outer layer  204  may be a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating to allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the material  200 . In another embodiment, the outer layer  204  may include silver embedded within the outer layer  204 . In yet another embodiment, the outer layer  204  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. The combination vinyl-protection and silver embedding and coating layer may increase UV protection and prevent fading colors. In addition, the combination may provide stain and abrasion-resistant properties to the material  200 . 
     In another embodiment, the inner fabric layer  202  may be made of polyurethane laminate (“PUL”) to enhance flexibility and durability properties, and to allow the outside  206  and the inside to be waterproof. Incorporating PUL into the inner fabric layer  202  may also minimize odors caused by use and transport of the bag. The outer layer  204  may also be a silver coating to prevent bacteria, mold/mildew, and fungal growth on the outside  206  and the inside. In yet another embodiment, the material  200  may include an inner fabric layer  202  made of silver-treated fabric with or without an outer coating layer. The silver treated fabric may provide flexibility to the athletic bag to store recreational items, but may also provide a higher percentage of silver to be incorporated into the fabric to increase the material&#39;s antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. 
       FIG.  3    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  300 . The athletic bag  300  comprises a body  302  and a strap  304 . In the present embodiment, the body  302  is cylindrical in shape. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  302  may be any shape. The body  302  comprises an exposed outside  306  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  302  is reversible. In other embodiments, the body  302  may not be reversible. The body  302  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  302  may include silver embedded within the body  302 . In yet another embodiment, the body  302  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic bag  300 . 
     The body  302  includes a proximal portion  302 A and parallel distal end portions  302 B. The body  302  further includes a zipper  310  along the length of the proximal portion  302 A to accommodate, store, and safely contain exercise mats and other recreational materials. The proximal portion  302 A includes at least one set of latches  312  on the outside  306  and inside (not depicted) to attach and detach the strap  304 . In the present embodiment, the proximal portion  302 A includes two sets of latches  312  on opposite sides of the proximal portion  302 A to accommodate two straps  304 . The straps  304  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for the bag to be compact, but also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The straps may be adjustable. 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  400 . The athletic bag  400  comprises a body  402  and a strap  404 . In the present embodiment, the body  402  is cylindrical in shape. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  402  may be any shape. The body  402  comprises an exposed outside  406  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  402  is reversible. In other embodiments, the body  402  may not be reversible. The body  402  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  402  may include silver embedded within the body  402 . In yet another embodiment, the body  402  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic bag  400 . 
     The body  402  includes a proximal portion  402 A and similar parallel distal end portions  402 B. The body  402  contains a zipper  410  along the length of the proximal portion  402 A to accommodate and safely store exercise mats and other recreational materials. The distal end portions  402 B include at least one set of latches  412  on the outside  406  and inside (not depicted) to attach and detach the strap  404 . The strap  404  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for a compact bag and also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The strap  404  may also be adjustable. In the present embodiment, the proximal portion  402 A includes a pouch or insert  414  on the outside  406  and inside (not depicted) to store other items including exercise blocks, additional recreational items, food, medication, mobile devices, etc. for added storage. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  500 . The athletic bag  500  comprises a body  502  and a strap  504 . The strap  504  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for a compact bag and also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The strap  504  may also be adjustable. In the present embodiment, the body  502  may be similar in shape to a trapezoidal prism. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  502  may be any shape. The body  502  comprises an exposed outside  506  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  502  is reversible. In other embodiments, the body  502  may not be reversible. The body  502  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  502  may include silver embedded within the body  502 . In yet another embodiment, the body  502  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic bag  500 . 
     In the present embodiment, the body  502  comprises three similar proximal faces  502 A, two similar parallel distal end faces  502 B, and a top proximal face  502 C. The top proximal face  502 C of the body  502  includes a zipper  510  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zipper  510  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  506  and the inside (not depicted) of the body  502  include latches  512  to attach and detach the strap  504 . In the present embodiment, the latches  512  comprise a grommet ring  512 A and a clip  512 B attached to both the ring  512 A of the body  502  and the strap  504 . In the present embodiment, the clip  512 B may be a carabiner clip. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, any clip may be utilized. The ring  512 A and clip  512 B attachment may allow more efficient insertion and removal of the strap  504  on the athletic bag  500  for transportation and exercise use. 
       FIG.  6    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand bag  600 . The hand bag  600  comprises a body  602  and one or more straps  604 . In the present embodiment, the body  602  may be rectangular in shape. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  602  may be any shape. The body  602  comprises two similar parallel faces  602 A. In the present embodiment, the body  602  further comprises an exposed outside  606  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  602  is reversible. In other embodiments, the body  602  may not be reversible. The body  602  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  602  may include silver embedded within the body  602 . In yet another embodiment, the body  602  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the hand bag  600 . 
     In the present embodiment, the body  602  further comprises a zipper  610  along the top portions of the parallel faces  602 A to close and secure recreational and travel items contained within the hand bag  600 . The zipper  610  may be mold/mildew resistant. In another embodiment, the body  602  may further comprise a latch at the top center portions of the parallel faces  602 A to close and secure items contained in the hand bag  600 . The parallel faces  602 A also include at least one set of latches  612  on the outside  606  and inside (not depicted) to attach and detach the strap  604 . In the present embodiment, the parallel faces  602 A include two sets of latches  612  on opposite sides of the parallel faces  602 A to accommodate two straps. The straps  604  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for the bag to be compact, but also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The straps  604  may also be adjustable. 
       FIG.  7    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack  700 . The backpack  700  comprises a body  702  and one or more straps  704  attached to the body. In the present embodiment, the body  702  comprises an exposed outside  706  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  702  may be reversible. In other embodiments, the body  702  may not be reversible. The body  702  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  702  may include silver embedded within the body  702 . In yet another embodiment, the body  702  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the backpack  700 . 
     In the present embodiment, the body  702  further comprises a front face  702 A, a back face (not depicted) similar in shape to the front face  702 A, a bottom face  702 C, and a top face  702 D. The top face  702 D of the body  702  is in the shape of an arch and includes a zipper  710  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zipper  710  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  706  and the inside (not depicted) of the body  702  include latches  712  to attach and detach the one or more straps  704 . In the present embodiment, the back face includes two sets of latches  712  to accommodate two straps  704 . The one or more straps  704  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for the backpack  700  to be compact, but also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The one or more straps  704  may also be adjustable. The body  702  may also include an additional zipper  714  across the front face  702 A on both the outside  706  and the inside of the body  702  to store additional recreational and travel items. 
       FIG.  8    is a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of an athletic equipment bag  800 . The athletic equipment bag  800  comprises a body  802  and a strap  804 . In the present embodiment as described hereinafter, the body  802  may be similar in shape to a trapezoidal prism. However, this is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  802  may be any shape. 
     The athletic equipment bag  800  may serve a dual purpose as a pet carrier. The body  802  comprises an exposed outside  806  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). The inside of the body  802  may include a compartment  810  to place small pets in order to easily carry and transport pets in addition to storing travel and recreational items. The body  802  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  802  may include silver embedded within the body  802 . In yet another embodiment, the body  802  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic equipment bag  800  and provide a safe environment for small pets. 
     In the present embodiment, the body  802  further comprises two similar parallel proximal faces  802 A, two similar distal end faces  802 B, a top proximal face  802 C, and a bottom proximal face  802 D. The top of the two similar distal end faces  802 B of the body  802  includes zippers  812  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zippers  812  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  806  and the inside (not depicted) of the body  802  include latches  814  to attach and detach the strap  804 . In the present embodiment, the latches  814  may comprise a grommet ring  814 A and a clip  814 B attached to both the ring  814 A of the distal end face  802 B of the body  802  and the strap  804 . In the present embodiment, the clip  814 B may be a carabiner clip, but that is just by way of example. The ring  814 A and clip  814 B attachment may allow more efficient insertion and removal of the strap  804  on the athletic equipment bag  800  for transportation and exercise use. The strap  804  may also be adjustable. In the present embodiment, the body  802  may also include carrying straps  816  attached to a top center portion of the proximal faces  802 A for easier carrying and handling of the athletic equipment bag  800 . 
       FIG.  9    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hand bag  900 . The hand bag  900  comprises a body  902  and a strap  904 . In the present embodiment, the body  902  may be rectangular in shape. However, this is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  902  may be any shape. The body  902  comprises a front face  902 A and a back face (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the body  902  comprises an exposed outside  906  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). The inside may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the inside may include silver embedded within the body  902 . In yet another embodiment, the inside may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the hand bag  900 . 
     In the present embodiment, the body  902  further comprises a zipper  910  along the top portions of the front face  902 A and back face to close and secure recreational and travel items contained within the hand bag  900 . The zipper  910  may be mold/mildew resistant. The body  902  further includes a front flap  912  that is attached to the back face and lies over the zipper  910  and attaches to the front face  902 A to further secure items contained in the hand bag  900 . The body  902  further includes one or more pocket  916  on the outer surface of the body  902  to store recreational equipment and travel items. In one embodiment, the pocket  916  may include a thermal pouch to keep beverages or other items at cooler temperatures. The thermal pouch may be located on either the exposed outside  906  of the body  902  or the unexposed inside of the body  902 . It should be noted that the thermal pouch may be included in any of the embodiments herein. 
     The front face  902 A and the back face include at least one set of latches  914  on the inside and the outside  906  of the body  902  to attach and detach the strap  904 . The strap  904  may serve a dual-purpose as exercise bands, stretching bands, or other recreational or travel equipment to allow for the bag to be compact, but also provide travel convenience for recreational activities. The strap  904  may also be adjustable. 
       FIG.  10    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  1000 . The athletic bag  1000  comprises a body  1002 . In the present embodiment, the body  1002  is rectangular in shape and comprises two similar parallel faces  1002 A. The body  1002  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  1002  may include silver embedded within the body  1002 . In yet another embodiment, the body  1002  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. The body  1002  further comprises a zipper  1004  along the top portions of the faces  1002 A to close and secure recreational and travel items contained within the athletic bag  1000 . The zipper  1004  may be mold/mildew resistant. 
       FIG.  11    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  1100 . The athletic bag  1100  comprises a body  1102 . In the present embodiment as described hereinafter, the body  1102  may be rectangular in shape. The body  1102  further comprises two similar parallel faces  1102 A. The body  1102  may also further comprise a drawstring  1104  along the top portions of the faces  1102 A to secure and keep items contained within the athletic bag  1100 . The body  1102  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  1102  may include silver embedded within the body  1102 . In yet another embodiment, the body  1102  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. The body  1102  may be waterproof. The athletic bag  1100  may efficiently accommodate, store, and safely contain both wet and dry recreational and travel materials. 
       FIG.  12    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  1200 . The athletic bag  1200  may serve a dual purpose as an exercise mat wrap. The athletic bag  1200  comprises a body  1202  that can be rolled out and extended lengthwise. The body  1202  comprises a hood  1204  along one end of the body  1202  to secure and protect exercise mats, blankets, or other recreational or travel items when rolled up in the athletic bag  1200 . In the present embodiment, the body  1202  is rectangular in shape. However, this is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  1202  may be any shape. The body  1202  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  1202  may include silver embedded within the body  1202 . In yet another embodiment, the body  1202  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic bag  1200 . In one embodiment, the body  1202  may further include detachable straps  1206  connected by latches  1206  on either side of the body  1202  for easier carrying. 
       FIG.  13    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  1300 . The athletic bag  1300  comprises a body  1302  and a strap  1304 . In the present embodiment, the body  1302  may be similar in shape to a trapezoidal prism. However, this is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  1302  may be any shape. The body  1302  comprises an exposed outside  1306  and a non-exposed inside (not depicted). In the present embodiment, the outside  1306  and inside are not reversible. The body  1302  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  1302  may include silver embedded within the body  1302 . In yet another embodiment, the body  1302  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. These features may allow greater antibacterial properties and protection to the athletic bag  1300 . 
     In the present embodiment, the body  1302  further comprises three similar proximal faces  1302 A, two similar parallel distal end faces  1302 B, and a top proximal face  1302 C. The top proximal face  1302 C of the body  1302  includes a zipper  1310  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zipper  1310  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  1306  and the inside (not depicted) of the body  1302  include latches  1312  to attach and detach the strap  1304 . In the present embodiment, the body  1302  includes a transparent frame  1314  on the outside of the body  1302  to house and secure mobile devices such as a smart phone or tablet. This feature allows a user to view a mobile device easily while traveling or during recreational activities. In the present embodiment, the transparent frame  1314  may include a pull-out stand  1316  to situate the mobile device or tablet for easier viewing. In another embodiment, the transparent frame  1314  may include speakers  1318  on the body  1302  that may connect to a mobile device via wires or wirelessly to allow users to play audio recordings while traveling or during recreational activities. 
     In one embodiment, the body  1302  includes an antibacterial monitoring mechanism to monitor environmental presence of bacteria, fungus, mold or mildew. The antibacterial monitoring mechanism may be embedded into a central portion of the body  1302  and may report bacteria data and detection updates on a selected periodic basis. It should be noted that the antibacterial monitoring mechanism may be included in any of the embodiments herein. The communicative connections of the antibacterial monitoring mechanism are graphically shown in  FIG.  14   . The antibacterial monitoring mechanism  1400  includes a processor  1402 , a user interface  1404 , a plurality of sensors  1406 , and a memory  1408 . The processor  1402  may be communicatively linked to the sensors  1406 . In the present embodiment, the plurality of sensors  1406  may include a bacteria sensor  1406 A, a temperature sensor  1406 B, and a humidity sensor  1406 C. In other embodiments, the sensors  1406  may include other types of sensors. The sensors  1406  may detect and measure the temperature, humidity, and amount of bacteria, mold, mildew, or microbial growth inside the bag. The sensors  1406  may send this data to the processor  1402 . The processor may store this data in the memory  1408 . 
     The processor  1402  is communicatively coupled to the user interface  1404 . The processor  1402  may instruct the user interface  1404  to display the measured data from the sensors  1406 . The processor  1402  may also instruct the user interface  1404  to display information stored in the memory  1408 . In addition, the processor  1402  may instruct the user interface  1404  to display alert messages when the measurements exceed a user-inputted or pre-established threshold. The user interface  1404  may be a discrete device like a mobile phone application. 
     The processor  1402  may also be communicatively linked to a geo locating system  1410 . The geo locating system  1410  may be able to determine the location of the bag based on a locating standard such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Galileo. This configuration may help track the location of a bag if the bag is lost or stolen. The processor  1402  may also be communicatively linked to a motion detector  1412 . The motion detector  1412  can monitor a change in motion of the bag. If the bag begins to move, the motion detector  1412  may send the measured data to the processor  1402 . The processor  1402  can then instruct the user interface  1404  to provide an alert that the bag is in motion. These configurations may help track the location of a bag if the bag is lost or stolen. 
     The processor  1402  may be programmed to provide a plurality of helpful alerts to the user. In one example, the processor  1402  may send the user a text via the user interface  1404  to remind the user to exercise if the bag has not moved in a predetermined amount of time. The processor  1402  may also send similar alerts in the event it detects mold or mildew, and it is time for the user to clean the bag. The processor  1402  may notify the user of the location of the bag in the event that the user cannot find it and sends an instruction to the processor  1402  to send its location. In this manner, the processor  1402  ensures that the user is always ready to work out in a safe, timely and effective manner. 
       FIG.  15    is a diagram of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic bag  1500 . The athletic bag  1500  comprises a body  1502  and a strap  1504 . In the present embodiment, the body  1502  may be similar in shape to a rectangular prism. However, that is just by way of example. In other embodiments, the body  1502  may be any shape. The body  1502  comprises an exposed outside  1506  and a non-exposed inside  1508 . In the present embodiment, the body  1502  further comprises three similar proximal faces  1502 A, two similar distal end faces  1502 B, and a top proximal face  1502 C. The top proximal face  1502 C of the body  1502  may include a zipper  1514  to close and secure recreational equipment. The zipper  1514  may be mold/mildew resistant. Both the outside  1506  and the inside  1508  of the body  1502  may include latches  1512  to attach and detach the strap  1504 . 
     The athletic bag  1500  may be used to store an exercise mat and wrap  1510 . The exercise mat and wrap  1510  may be attached to the inside  1508  of the body  1502 . In the present embodiment, the body  1502  is reversible. The body  1502  may include a combination of a silver coating and vinyl-protective coating. In another embodiment, the body  1502  may include silver embedded within the body  1502 . In yet another embodiment, the body  1502  may include a dual combination of silver embedding and silver and vinyl-protective coating. Storing the exercise mat and wrap  1510  in the body  1502  of the athletic bag  1500  may therefore help to decontaminate the exercise mat and wrap  1510  due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the body  1502 . 
     The exercise mat and wrap  1510  can be rolled out and extended lengthwise. The exercise mat and wrap  1510  may comprise a hood  1518  along one end of the exercise mat and wrap  1510  to secure and protect other recreational or travel items when rolled up in the athletic bag  1500 . 
     Having thus described the presently preferred embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.