Abstract:
A mat/carrier foldable between a substantially flat configuration and a storage configuration is provided. The mat/carrier comprises a mat/carrier component having a base panel, a plurality of side panels, and at least one intermediate panel intermediate adjacent side panels. A first set of folds separates each panel from its adjacent panels to facilitate re-orientation of each panel relative to its adjacent panels so as to form a container configuration. A second set of folds in at least some of the panels facilitate at least partial collapsing of the mat/carrier component from the container configuration to a smaller container configuration.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a mat and carrier combination. The mat and carrier combination of the invention is preferably a foldable mat, storage container and/or backpack combination. More particularly, the invention relates to a mat/carrier device having a configuration including a number of bend- or fold-lines, which enable the device to vary in shape between a substantially flat mat, a storage container which is achieved by folding along some of the bend- or fold-lines thereon, and a backpack, which is achieved by the folding of the device along additional or alternative fold- or bend-lines. 
   Preferably, the foldable mat and carrier of the invention is lightweight and easy to use, generally comprising an outer surface of nylon, fabric, plastic or other material, and a filler or cushion material therein. 
   While the mat and carrier combination of the invention may have many different applications, one significant use is that in relation to the storage of children&#39;s toys and supplies, so that these toys and supplies can be transported within the storage box configuration of the mat while in transit, and the mat opened for use by a child, especially an infant or toddler, when the device is not being used for storage purposes. As such, the invention is of particular use to mothers or child caregivers, providing a mat for the child, but also constituting a storage box and backpack which can be easily carried from one place to another as part of a child&#39;s necessary requirements. 
   While the invention has particular application with respect to children&#39;s needs, there are of course other applications of the invention, such as a storage container and mat for use on beaches, picnic areas, for exercising, for camping and the like. 
   Of course, ground mats, storage boxes and backpacks are well-known and widely used, and are available in a significant number of variations. Some of these devices are specifically designed for particular usages, and therefore have dimensions and configurations intended for the designed use. As regards ground mats for children, toddlers and others, such mats are often foldable for storage purposes, but would not typically have any other utility. Likewise, storage boxes are often collapsible, or capable of assembly, and of compact size and shape. For the most part, these mats, boxes and backpacks are generally discrete devices with a single purpose, and are typically utilized for that purpose. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mat/carrier foldable between a substantially flat configuration and a storage configuration, the mat/carrier comprising: a mat/carrier component having a base panel, a plurality of side panels, and at least one intermediate panel intermediate adjacent side panels; a first set of foldable members separating each panel from its adjacent panels, the first set of foldable members facilitating re-orientation of each panel relative to its adjacent panels so as to form a container configuration; and a second set of foldable members in at least some of the panels to facilitate at least partial collapsing of the mat/carrier component from the container configuration to a smaller container configuration. 
   Preferably, the mat/carrier component is substantially square in shape, the base panel is formed substantially centrally on the mat/carrier component and has four side edges, and the side panels comprise four side panels provided on each side edge of the base panel. Preferably, four intermediate panels are provided, with one intermediate panel being located between each side panel. Each intermediate panel may have a rounded edge and a cover panel may extend from the mat/carrier component. 
   In a preferred form, the foldable members comprise lines of reduced thickness on the mat/carrier component. 
   Intermediate panel foldable members may be provided to facilitate proper folding of the intermediate panels during reorientation between the mat configuration and container configuration. Further, releasable connector members may be provided for holding the side panels in a substantially fixed position relative to each other when the mat/carrier component is oriented in the storage configuration. Still further, the connector members may be used to connect the mat to connectors on other mats to make a composite larger mat. 
   Preferably, the second set of foldable members comprises a substantially linear foldable member extending across substantially the center of the base panel and across each of a side panel on each side of the base panel. Angled foldable members may also be provided on each of the side panels having the linear foldable member, the angled foldable members extending from opposing ends of the base panel toward the linear foldable member. 
   In one embodiment, the mat/carrier has a fastening mechanism on each side of the second foldable member in the base panel, the fastening mechanism securing to each other when the mat/carrier forms a smaller container configuration. The smaller container configuration may define a small storage space, or it may define substantially no storage space. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mat, storage box and/or backpack combination, referred to generally in this specification as a foldable utility mat/carrier, which, based on a selected configuration, can be transformed from a mat to a container or box, from a container to a backpack, and from a backpack back to a mat, as may be desired by the user. 
   The foldable utility mat/carrier of the invention generally comprises a flat component having a pattern of foldable or bendable lines or members, and these are appropriately positioned to enable the flat component to be arranged so as to form a container box, and arranged differently or alternatively to form a substantially flat backpack-type structure for easy transport of materials and supplies. Straps may be provided on the flat component, so that, when folded into a backpack-type configuration, the straps will be positioned so as to be worn around the shoulders of the user. 
   Furthermore, a strap, and strap attachments, may be located on the flat component in appropriate positions, so that, when the flat component is formed into a box or container-shaped storage device, the straps, as well as the holders therefor, will be located such that the box can be conveniently carried using the straps. 
   Various toggles, connector pieces, press-studs, hook-and-eye, Velcro and other forms of fasteners may be positioned on the flat component so as to enable panels to be releasably connected together in order to retain the shape of the storage container and/or backpack to which the flat components may be transformed. Further, the flat component may also include a supplemental panel extending outwardly therefrom, the supplemental panel operating as a lid or cover for the storage container when the flat component is so arranged, and a closure flap or wall for the backpack, when in the backpack condition. 
   Preferably, the flat component is generally square in shape, preferably with rounded corners. In one embodiment, the flat component has folds or bends which divide the flat component into nine panels, the nine panels being made up of a substantially central panel having four sides, four lateral panels comprised of one lateral panel extending from each side of the central panel, and four corner or intermediate panels adjoining, or between, each adjacent lateral panel. In a preferred embodiment, these panels would be portions of the entire flat or mat component, and demarcated from each other by folds or bends. 
   Preferably, each intermediate panel also comprises a fold or bend so that when the central and lateral panels are moved between their various positions, the intermediate panels will fold in a predetermined manner. 
   Preferably, the flat component further comprises a linear horizontal fold-line extending through the middle of the central and two of the lateral panels adjacent thereto. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the flat component comprises an additional panel extending outwardly therefrom, the additional panel forming a lid or cover when the flat component is in the container type or back pack configurations. Preferably, the additional panel will be of the same dimensions as the central panel. Preferably, the additional panel will extend outwardly from one of the lateral panels, and such lateral panel from which it extends will not be a lateral panel through which horizontal fold-line, as described above, is located. 
   In a preferred form, the foldable utility mat/carrier of the invention comprises an upper sheet and a lower sheet of substantially the same dimensions, and connected at their edges. They may be connected at their edges by, for example, trim binding. Between these upper and lower sheets, there may be located foam, filler or other material which makes the utility mat/carrier of the invention soft and comfortable to sit or lie on. The sheets may be comprised of canvas, nylon, or any other suitable fabric. 
   The actual dimensions of the utility mat/carrier of the invention can vary widely so as to provide a larger mat, and concomitant larger storage box and backpack. Alternately, it may be of smaller dimensions so as to form a smaller container and/or backpack. 
   Preferably, the backpack mode of the mat/carrier of the invention may be in one of two configurations. A first configuration comprises a situation where the backpack is one so as to define an internal chamber or space in which objects or supplies may be stored. Such a configuration would have a greater depth. The second configuration is where the backpack is folded more compactly so that the utility mat/carrier of the invention is not able to contain almost any stored items, but is simply folded to its most compact form for transportation. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the utility mat/carrier of the invention, shown in the closed position; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the utility mat/carrier shown in  FIG. 1 , with the lid opened; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the container bag or pouch attachable to the utility mat/carrier in which smaller or personal items can be stored; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the utility mat/carrier of the invention to form a closed backpack; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the utility mat/carrier as shown in  FIG. 4 , but only partially closed; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the utility mat/carrier of the invention shown in  FIG. 4 , but open, so as to provide a storage space within the backpack; 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the utility mat/carrier of the invention in the completely unfolded or “mat” condition; 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the utility mat/carrier of the invention shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIGS. 9 to 13  are schematic representations showing top views of the sequential folding steps of the panels of the utility mat/carrier of the invention from the open flat condition to the box condition with open lid; 
       FIGS. 14 to 16  are schematic top views of the utility mat/carrier of the invention when being folded from a box condition to a backpack condition; and 
       FIGS. 17 to 21  are schematic side views of the utility mat/carrier of the invention when being folded from a box condition to a backpack condition. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention comprises a utility mat/carrier which essentially is formed a substantially flat mat component having a series of panels separated by bend- or fold-lines, the flat component being foldable along the bend- or fold-lines so as to form a storage box. In one form, the storage box can further be folded along bend-lines arranged in selected panels so as to compress the storage box to form a compacted folded mat, or backpack, which can be carried over the shoulders, by a handle or by a strap. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the backpack aspect of the utility mat/carrier may either be in a slightly expanded form so as to receive storage material, or in a more compacted form so as to render the utility mat/carrier into a small, convenient configuration for transportation. 
   In order to retain the utility mat/carrier in its various configurations, a series of strategically located fasteners are provided thereon so that, as the mat/carrier is folded from a flat mat condition to a storage condition, these fastening mechanisms can be used to keep the mat from falling open. The fastening members, as will be described with more particularity below, may vary according to the specific type of connection which will be made, but may comprise toggle or snap connections, Velcro™, press-studs, hook-and-eye arrangements, or any other mechanism which will achieve the desired connection. 
   The utility mat/carrier of the invention is described with reference to the drawings, and, generally,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a mat/carrier  10 , when folded into a storage container configuration.  FIG. 1  shows this storage container with the lid closed.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show the mat/carrier of the invention in the substantially opened or flat component position,  FIG. 7  being a bottom view, illustrating many of the connections, and  FIG. 8  being a top view. Both of these  FIGS. 7 and 8  are useful in understanding how the various configurations of the utility mat/carrier  10  of the invention can be achieved, since they show different panels, bend-lines, and fastening mechanisms which enable the appropriate transformation. Finally, as a general overview,  FIG. 4  shows a side view of the mat/carrier  10  of the invention in its configuration as a backpack. All of these different configurations are explained in further detail below, together with a description as to how the folding is carried out in order to obtain one of the desired configurations, namely, a flat mat, a storage container, and a backpack. 
   Specific reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, and a detailed description of the configuration of a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be provided. FIG.  7  shows a bottom view, in the completely open position, while  FIG. 8  shows a top view, also in the completely open position, of the mat/carrier  10  of the invention. The mat/carrier  10  of the invention is generally square in shape with rounded corners. There is provided a central panel  20 , an upper panel  22 , a lower panel  24 , a first lateral panel  26  and a second lateral panel  28 . The central panel  20  (as well as the upper, lower, first lateral and second lateral panels  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28 ) are all square in shape and of substantially the same dimensions. The central panel has a fold  30  separating it from the upper panel  22 , a fold  32  separating it from the lower panel  24 , a fold  34  separating it from the first lateral panel  26  and a fold  36  separating it from the second lateral panel  28 . 
   It should be noted throughout this specification that any reference made to “fold” or “folds” is intended to describe a line which may be structured or configured so as to facilitate folding between adjacent panels. Thus, the fold may be a line comprised of stitching, a thinning of the mat/carrier  10  of the invention, a heat sealed portion, or any other feature, structural or otherwise, which facilitates or allows two panels to be changed in orientation with respect to each other without causing “bunching” and/or edges which are not substantially straight. 
   The mat/carrier  10  of the invention has an upper surface  40  and a lower surface  42 , comprising substantially coextensive sheets of nylon, fabric, plastic, canvas or the like. The upper and lower surfaces  40  and  42  are stitched or otherwise fastened together along their edges  44 , to form the mat/carrier  10  of the invention. The upper and lower surfaces  40  and  42  may define a space therebetween, the space being filled with foam, filler, or any other substance which may afford a cushioning effect for the mat/carrier  10  of the invention, to provide for the comfort of the user. 
   The upper panel  22  has a fold  48  and a fold  50 . The lower panel  24  has a fold  52  and a fold  54 . The first lateral panel  26  has a fold  56  and a fold  58 . The second lateral panel has a fold  60  and a fold  62 . It will be noted that the folds  56 ,  30  and  60  are linear or continuous, as are the folds  58 ,  32  and  62 . Likewise, the folds  48 ,  34  and  52  are linear or continuous, as are the folds  50 ,  36  and  54 . 
   A corner panel  68  is formed between first lateral panel  26  and upper panel  22 , and includes a rounded edge  70  and a radial fold  72 . A corner panel  74  is formed between the upper panel  22  and the second lateral panel  28 , and includes a rounded edge  76 , and a radial fold  78 . A corner panel  80  is formed between the lower panel  24  and second lateral panel  28 , and a has a rounded edge  82  and a radial fold  84 . Finally, corner panel  86  is formed between the lower panel  24  and the first lateral panel  26 , and includes a rounded edge  88  and a radial fold  90 . 
   A central fold  94  extends across the middle of the mat/carrier  10  of the invention, through the first lateral panel  26  (fold  94   a ), the central panel  20  (fold  94   b ) and the second lateral panel  28  (fold  94   c ). The central fold  94  is approximately mid-way or equidistant between the fold  30  and the fold  32 . 
   The upper panel  22  has a cover fold  98 , and a cover panel  100 . The cover  100  is also of square shape, being of substantially the same dimensions as the central panel  20 , upper panel  22 , lower panel  24 , first lateral panel  26  and second lateral panel  28 . The cover  100  has side edges  102  and  104 , and a top edge  106 . Attached to the top edge is an elongate flap  108 , with fastening means  110  thereon. As will be described below, the elongate flap  108  and fastening means  110  are used for closing the mat/carrier  10  of the invention when it is in a box configuration or used as a backpack. 
   The first lateral panel has a straight edge  114 , the second lateral panel  28  has straight edge  116 , while the lower panel  24  has a straight edge  118 . 
   Various connectors are located on the mat/carrier  10 . A connector  122   a  is formed on first lateral panel  26 , and its corresponding connector  122   b  is formed on the upper panel  22 . A connector  124   a  is formed on upper panel  22 , and its corresponding connector  124   b  is formed on the second lateral panel  28 . A connector  126   a  is formed on the second lateral panel  28 , and its corresponding connector  126   b  is formed on the lower panel  24 . A connector  128   a  is formed on the lower panel  24 , and its corresponding connector  128   b  is formed on the first lateral panel  26 . The connectors  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  are fastened together when the mat/carrier  10  is in the box and backpack condition to keep the various panels in position and to prevent them from falling open, as will be described. 
   The central panel  20  includes Velcro™ fastener  128   a  near the fold  32 , and fastener  128   b  near the fold  30 . As will be described, these two Velcro™ fasteners  128   a  and  128   b  attach to each other when the mat/carrier  10  is in the backpack position, in order to retain it in that position and prevent it from falling open. 
   The mat/carrier  10  further comprises strap connectors  130   a  and  130   b . In the embodiment being described, these strap connectors  130   a  and  130   b  provide connection points for a strap  132 , seen, for example, in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, so that when the mat/carrier  10  is in the box configuration, the strap  132  can be used to lift and carry the box container. 
   Also provided are connectors  136   a  and  136   b  at or near the round edges  70  and  76  respectively. When the mat/carrier  10  is in the backpack condition, as will be described, these connectors  136   a  and  136   b  attach to each other to keep the folded corner panels  68  and  74  in a substantially fixed position. 
   Also provided are attachments  138   a  and  138   b  which are located at or near the rounded edges  88  and  82  respectively. These connectors  138   a  and  138   b  serve the same function as connectors  136   a  and  136   b , but, of course, operate with respect to the corner panels  86  and  80 . 
   In order to facilitate folding of the mat/carrier  10  from the box configuration to the backpack configuration, as will be described, the first lateral panel  26  has a fold  142   a  and a fold  142   b . Correspondingly, the second lateral panel  28  has a fold  144   a  and  144   b.    
   The lower panel  24  includes an elongate fastening strip  150 , of substantially the same dimensions as fastening means  110  on the elongate flap  108 . When the mat/carrier  10  is in the box configuration, the fastening means  110  is configured so as to attach to the fastening strip  150  so as to keep the cover panel  100  in a relatively fixed, but releasable, closed position. 
   Backpack fasteners  154   a  and  154   b  are provided on the upper panel  22 , near the fold  30 , on each side of the upper panel  22 . Further, a backpack strap fastener  156 , also provided in a central location on the upper panel  22 , is formed near the cover fold  98 . In use, a first strap or first portion of a strap extends between the fasteners  156  and  154   a , and a second strap or second portion of a strap extends between the fasteners  156  and  154   b . Together, these provide shoulder straps which enable the user to wear the mat/carrier  10  on the back as a backpack, over the shoulders, when the mat/carrier  10  is in the backpack configuration, as will be described. 
   Having described the various components, folds, attachment mechanisms and other features of the mat/carrier  10 , as seen in the open or extended position of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a description of the mechanism by means of which the mat/carrier  10  of the invention can be converted from the mat to the container form, and from the container to the backpack form, will now be described. 
   A schematic, sequential representation of the mat/carrier  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, showing how it is transformed into a container, is illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 13  of the drawings.  FIG. 9  of the drawings shows a top view, in schematic form only, of the mat/carrier  10  in a similar position to that illustrated in  FIG. 8  of the drawings.  FIG. 9  therefore shows the mat/carrier  10  before folding commences. 
   In  FIG. 10 , the initial stage of converting the mat/carrier  10  from a mat configuration to a container configuration is illustrated. In this  FIG. 10 , each of the corner panels  68 ,  74 ,  80  and  86  is moved upward and folded inward. In  FIG. 9  and the subsequent Figures, it will be appreciated that the mat is lying flat on a surface. Each of the corners panels  68 ,  74 ,  80  and  86  is thus moved upward, bending along their radial folds  72 ,  78 ,  84  and  90  respectively. As each of these corner folds  68 ,  75 ,  80  and  86  is moved upward, it will also be appreciated that the upper panel  22 , lower panel  24 , first lateral panel  26  and second lateral panel  28  also move upward. As a representative example of all the corner panels, specific reference is made to corner panel  68  which includes the rounded edge  70 , having rounded portion  70   a  and  70   b . These are separated by the fold point  162 . The corner panel  68 , as it is moved upward, causes the radial fold  72  to bend, and the folds  48  and  56  adjacent upper panel  22  and first lateral panel  26 , also bend, causing the upper panel  22  and first lateral panel  26  to move upward. 
   The upward movement of the various panels continues, as illustrated in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. The rounded portions  70   a  and  70   b  of rounded edge  70  continue to extend inwardly, and in  FIG. 11 , are overlying the central panel  20 , as a container with a space or chamber is being formed. In  FIG. 12 , the various corner panels  68 , 74 ,  80  and  86  are almost doubled over, and the upper panel  22 , lower panel  24 , first lateral panel  26  and second lateral panel  28  are almost in the vertical position. The central panel  20  has, essentially, not undergone any movement at all, as can be seen in  FIG. 12  of the drawings.  FIG. 13  shows the next sequential step wherein the upper panel  22 , lower panel  24 , first lateral panel  26  and second lateral panel  28  are essentially vertical, and the corner panels  68 ,  74 ,  80  and  86  are stored in a doubled-over manner within a space or chamber  168 , which has now been formed by the change in the configuration. At the approximate folding stage represented by  FIG. 13  of the drawings, connector  122   a  is fastened to connector  122   b , connector  124   a  is fastened to connector  124   b , connector  126   a  is fastened to connector  126   b , and connector  128   a  is fastened to connector  128   b . These various connectors are best seen in  FIG. 7  and not shown in the schematic diagrams so that the folding sequences shown in  FIGS. 9 to 21  will not be obscured. This essentially holds the panels in the position shown in  FIG. 13 , and prevents the mat/carrier  10 , now in a box configuration, from falling open. 
   In  FIG. 13 , the cover  100  is shown in the open position, but is capable of pivoting or bending about the fold  98  so as to cover the chamber  168 . The fastening means  110 , when the cover  100  is closed or covers the chamber  168 , attaches to the fastening strip  150 . The elongate flap  108  bends relative to the cover  100 , and folds over the straight edge  118  to engage the fastening strip  150 . 
     FIG. 13  therefore essentially represents the last stage in the transformation of the mat/carrier  10  from the flat mat configuration to the container or box configuration. Further folding, as described with respect to  FIGS. 14 to 16  results in the collapsing of the container as shown in  FIG. 13 , resulting in its transformation to a backpack configuration, as will now be described. 
     FIG. 14  shows the initial part of the collapsing from the box to the backpack. In this regard, the lower panel  24  is moved towards the upper panel  22 , and the first lateral panel  26  and second lateral panel  28  begin to bend along that portion of the central fold  94  running along the length of the mat/carrier  10 . The central fold  94  is designated as fold  94   a  in the first lateral panel  26 , fold  94   b  in the central panel  20 , and fold  94   c  in the second lateral panel  28 . 
   The first lateral panel  26  has panel portions  26   a  and  26   b  divided or separated from each other by the fold  94   a . As the panel portion  26   a  folds inwardly, it sandwiches the folded corner portion  86  between itself and the lower panel  24 . The panel portion  26   b  sandwiches the folded corner panel  68  between itself and the upper panel  22 . On the other side, the second lateral panel  28  is divided into panel portions  28   a  and  28   b . The panel portion  28   a  sandwiches the folded corner panel  80  between itself and the lower panel  24 , while the panel portion  28   b  sandwiches the folded corner panel  74  between the second lateral panel  28  and the upper panel  22 . As the lower panel  24  is moved toward to the upper panel  22 , further compression takes place, as shown in  FIG. 15 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 16 , all of the corner panels  74 ,  80 ,  86  and  68  are fully folded, as is each of the first lateral panel  26  and the second lateral panel  28 . The cover  100  is shown in the open position, but can extend over the remainder of the mat/carrier  10 , so as to close off the top of the now formed backpack aspect of the mat/carrier. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the backpack so formed, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , may define a somewhat larger chamber  168  shown in  FIG. 15 , and a small or the absence of a chamber  168  in  FIG. 16 . In the configuration in  FIG. 15 , folding has taken place to the extent necessary to form a backpack, but providing some space defining a chamber  168  in which certain flat items can be stored. However, if desired, further folding or compression can take place to essentially close off or substantially eliminate the chamber  168  so that the entire mat/carrier  10  of the invention simply becomes a somewhat solid backpack, easy for carrying, but unable to accommodate any articles for conveyance. The complete back pack configuration is kept in place with assistance from fasteners  182  and  184 . 
     FIGS. 17 to 21  of the drawings show a side view of the folding process from the container to the backpack, the top view of which is illustrated in  FIGS. 14 to 16 .  FIG. 17  shows the box or container prior to folding, with the chamber  168  at optimal size.  FIGS. 17 to 21  show the operation and function of the central panel  20 , which folds along its fold  94   b , but also shows the function of the folds  142   a  and  142   b  in the first lateral panel  26 , and correspondingly, the operation of the folds  144   a  and  144   b  in the second lateral panel  28  on the other side of the mat/carrier  10  (not specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 17 to 21 ). As the central panel  20  folds upward along its fold  94   b , the first and second lateral panel  26  and  28  fold along their fold-lines  94   a  and  94   c . Eventually, panel portions  20   a  and  20   b  of the central panel  20  are folded alongside each other, and connect to each other by Velcro™ strip  128   a  and  128   b . Likewise, portions  26   a  and  26   b  fold against each other, as do portions  28   a  and  28   b . In  FIG. 20 , the mat/carrier  10  is shown almost completely folded, with the cover  100  open. Finally,  FIG. 21  shows the situation where the cover  100  is moved so as to fall over the opening to the chamber  168 , and lie adjacent the lower panel  24 . The fastening means  110  engages the fastening strip  150 , as already described. 
   From the above description, drawings and schematic illustrations, it will be seen how the mat/carrier  10  can be converted from a substantially flat mat configuration, shown in  FIG. 7 , to the container configuration shown in  FIG. 13 , to the backpack configuration shown in  FIG. 21 . In the box configuration, the connectors  136   a  and  136   b  attach or snap to the connectors  138   a  and  138   b  respectively. 
   The mat/carrier  10  of the invention may also include an attachable carrying sack,  170 , as shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. The carrying sack  170  attaches to one of the strap connectors  130   a  or  130   b  (or both of them) to provide a receptacle which may conveniently accommodate small items which may become lost or difficult to retrieve if simply placed in the chamber  168 . A detailed view of this carry sack  170  is shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, and it includes a clasp  172  attached to a strap  174 . The sack  170  has a drawstring  175 . 
     FIG. 4  of the drawings shows, in less schematic form (as compared with  FIGS. 17–21 ), a side view of a totally closed back pack. It will be seen that a straps  177   a ,  177   b  may be provided, to keep the various panels together, and attach to  150 , and the chamber  168  closed. Further, a strap  180  is located between the connectors/attachments  156 ,  154   b , and a pair of straps  180  (which may also be a single strap) allow the backpack to be slung over the shoulders for easy carrying thereof. 
     FIG. 5  shows a partially closed backpack, with the cover  100  closed.  FIG. 6  shows the backpack not fully closed, but with the chamber  168  created as a small or flat chamber in order to provide a space in which articles may conveniently be stored when the mat/carrier  10  of the invention is able to function as a backpack. 
   The invention is not limited to the precise details described herein. Variations may be made with respect to size, shape of panels, and the position and nature of the folds, but all of these would of course be structured so as to allow the mat/carrier  10  to be adapted to a number of configurations, from a flat mat to a box to a compressed backpack form. Additionally, supplemental fastening mechanisms may be provided to keep the mat/carrier  10  in the desired position, or, alternatively, certain attachments may be omitted, as long as they do not compromise the function and adaptability of the mat/carrier  10 .