Multipurpose storage device and method
First Claim
1. A convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
- a plurality of wall portions each connected to a base portion;
a webbing connected between each adjacent pair of said plurality of wall portions; and
an elongated joint connected between said base portion and at least some of said plurality of wall portions such that said at least some of said plurality of wall portions are foldable into a third configuration such that the footprint of said collapsible device in said third configuration has substantially the same dimensions as said base portion, wherein in said third configuration said plurality of wall portions are in a stacked relationship relative to said base portion.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include attachment means for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.
108 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
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a plurality of wall portions each connected to a base portion;
a webbing connected between each adjacent pair of said plurality of wall portions; and
an elongated joint connected between said base portion and at least some of said plurality of wall portions such that said at least some of said plurality of wall portions are foldable into a third configuration such that the footprint of said collapsible device in said third configuration has substantially the same dimensions as said base portion, wherein in said third configuration said plurality of wall portions are in a stacked relationship relative to said base portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of assembling a convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
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connecting a plurality of wall portions to a base portion;
connecting a webbing between each adjacent pair of said plurality of wall portions; and
connecting a plurality of elongated joints between said base portion and each one of at least some of said plurality of wall portions such that said at least some of said plurality of wall portions are foldable into a third configuration such that the footprint of said convertible device in said third configuration has substantially the same dimensions as said base portion, wherein in said third configuration said plurality of wall portions are in a stacked relationship relative to said base portion. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
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a base connected to a plurality of walls;
at least one motor attached to said base; and
means, connected to said at least one motor, for raising said plurality of walls so as to transform said convertible device from said second configuration into said first configuration. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
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a plurality of sides including walls and a base connected to said walls; and
a plurality of protrusions formed on at least one of said plurality of sides or base, said plurality of protrusions being adapted to mate with interlocking building blocks. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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45. A convertible device convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:
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a plurality of wall portions each connected to a base portion;
a webbing connected between each adjacent pair of said plurality of wall portions; and
a plurality of securing means for releasably holding at least some of said plurality of wall portions in a substantially rigid and upright position in said first configuration, each of said plurality of securing means joining adjacent ones of said plurality of wall portions.
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Specification