Convertible storage container

• US 8,573,373 B2
• Filed: 09/20/2011
• Issued: 11/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MIEH, Inc.
• Original Assignee: International Holdings LLC
• Inventors: McComb, Kevin, Rothschild, Wayne H
• Primary Examiner(s): Stashick, Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLLADO, CYNTHIA FRANCISCA
• Application Number:
  US13/237,224
• Publication Number:
  US 20120006701A1
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 190/100, 190/107, 190/2, 220/7, 383/4, 383/38, 383/6, 383/105, D32/85, D33/02, 206/349, 206/372
• US Class Current: 190/107
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 4/06 into beds or mattresses
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 9/062 for covering the ground, e.g. picnic or beach blankets
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/006 Infant exercisers, e.g. for attachment to a crib
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 3/04 essentially cylindrical

Abstract

Apparatuses convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration. One apparatus includes a circular lid, a circular base, and at least one zipper pull that zips the lid and base to a wall. When zippered, the apparatus has a generally cylindrical shape. A carrying handle is provided on the lid. When unzippered, the apparatus becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Another apparatus includes two sides, a base, a flap, and at least one zipper pull that zips the sides to the flap. The sides resemble the outline of a car, such that the apparatus when zipped up resembles a car and when unzipped becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Backpack straps on the back allow the apparatus to be worn as a backpack.

Claims

1. An apparatus convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:

a base portion;

at least two side portions connected to the base portion, each of the two sides having first zipper teeth;

a lid flap portion connected to the base adjacent the at least two side portions, the lid flap portion having second zipper teeth; and

at least two zipper pulls configured to zip and unzip the lid flap portion to and from the at least two side portions such that when the lid flap portion is substantially zippered to the at least two sides, the apparatus is in the first configuration,

wherein the first zipper teeth follow a generally curved path comprising a first curved path portion, a second curved path portion, and a third curved path portion, the second curved path portion being curved in a direction opposite of a direction of the first and the third curved path portions, in response to the apparatus being converted from the second configuration to the first configuration, at least a portion of the first curved path portion is located about a first axis passing through the apparatus, at least a portion of the second curved path portion is located about a second axis remote from the apparatus, and at least a portion of the third curved path portion is located about a third axis passing through the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two baffles configured to connect the base portion, the at least two side portions, and the lid flap portion, the at least two baffles biased inwardly such that when the at least two side portions are urged from the second configuration to the first configuration the at least two baffles fold toward the interior of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a closure flap portion adapted to mate with an exterior portion of the base portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the closure flap portion mates with the exterior portion of the base portion using hook and loop fasteners.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one shoulder strap connected to an exterior portion of the base portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least two baffles include a semi-rigid material that is scored or pre-folded so as to form an inward bias.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two sides are generally symmetrical.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the direction of each of the first and the third curved path portions is a counterclockwise direction and the direction of the second curved path portion is a clockwise direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a raised track for playing with toy cars.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pockets formed on at least one of the base portion, the at least two side portions, or the lid flap portion.