Patent ID: 7597209
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: A45C,A47G

Abstract:
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, wherein said base portion lies along a first plane in said first configuration and also lies along said first plane in said second configuration; a plurality of webbings, wherein a first of said webbings is connected between a first of said wall portions and a second of said wall portions that is adjacent said first wall portion such that said first webbing forms a continuous surface with said first and second wall portions in said second configuration, said first and second wall portions sharing an adjacent edge in said first configuration, and wherein a second of said webbings is connected between said second wall portion and a third wall portion that is adjacent said second wall portion such that said first webbing forms a continuous surface with said second and third wall portions in said second configuration, said second and third wall portions sharing an adjacent edge in said first configuration, wherein said first webbing and said second webbing are inwardly biased toward an interior of said convertible device such that when said first and second wall portions are urged from said second configuration to said first configuration said webbing folds toward said interior of said convertible device; 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 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; and a plurality of zippers for releasably holding at least some of the plurality of wall portions in a substantially rigid and upright position in said first configuration, wherein a first of said zippers is attached between said first wall portion and said second wall portion and wherein a second of said zippers is attached between said second wall portion and said third wall portion such that, as said first zipper and said second zipper are urged between an open and a closed position, the configuration of said convertible device is converted between said first configuration and said second configuration, wherein said first zipper includes a first zipper grip and said second zipper includes a second zipper grip, and wherein said first zipper grip is movable a maximum distance that is not longer than a length of said adjacent edge shared by said first and said second wall portions and wherein said second zipper grip is movable a maximum distance that is not longer than a length of said adjacent edge shared by said second and third wall portions.