CONVERTIBLE STORAGE BOX AND UTILITY MAT DEVICE

Abstract

A device convertible between a storage box and a utility mat. The device utilizes a plurality of hinged panels that are geometrically arranged to form a utility mat when resting on a horizontal surface, or a box when drawn together. The box may be used for storage of various items, while the mat may provide a work surface for a particular use. The utility mat has a central portion, wings panels that extend from sides of the central portion, and hinge panels that extend between adjacent wing panels. Each of the hinge panels has a fold line along which the hinge panel can fold. The utility tray can be transformed into the storage box by folding the hinge panel inwards or outwards of the storage box.

Claims

1. A multiutility device that is convertible between a storage box and a utility mat, the multiutility device comprising: a central portion that has a plurality of sides; a plurality of wing panels that extend from the plurality of sides; and a plurality of hinge panels extend between adjacent wing panels of the plurality of wing panels, each hinge panel of the plurality of hinge panels has a fold line along a line of symmetry dividing the respective hinge panel into two halves, wherein the two halves are configured to pivotally fold over each other to a collapsed state and unfold to an expanded state, the two halves have a fastener for securing the two halves in the collapsed state.

2. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the central portion, the plurality of wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels are integral to form a single unit.

3. The multiutility device according to claim 2, wherein the central portion, the plurality of wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels form a utility tray that has flat profile, the utility tray has a top surface and a bottom surface.

4. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein opposite sides of the plurality of sides of the central portion are parallel to each other, and each hinge panel of the plurality of hinge panels is triangular.

5. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

6. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is magnetic based.

7. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the central portion is rectangular or square in shape, the plurality of wing panels comprises four wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels comprises four hinge panels.

8. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the multiutility device further comprises a lid panel that extends from a side of a wing panel of the plurality of wing panels.

9. The multiutility device according to claim 1, wherein the multiutility device further comprises a drawstring running around the plurality of wing panels and the plurality of hinge panels.

10. A method for storing articles, the method comprising: providing a multiutility device that is convertible between a storage box and a utility mat, the multiutility device comprising: a central portion that has a plurality of sides, a plurality of wing panels that extend from the plurality of sides, and a plurality of hinge panels extend between adjacent wing panels of the plurality of wing panels, each hinge panel of the plurality of hinge panels has a fold line along a line of symmetry dividing the respective hinge panel into two halves, wherein the two halves are configured to pivotally fold over each other to a collapsed state and unfold to an expanded state, the two halves have a fastener for securing the two halves in the collapsed state; collapsing the storage box to the utility mat; and transforming the utility mat back into the storage box.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the central portion, the plurality of wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels are integral to form a single unit.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the central portion, the plurality of wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels form a utility tray that has flat profile, the utility tray has a top surface and a bottom surface.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein opposite sides of the plurality of sides of the central portion are parallel to each other, and each hinge panel of the plurality of hinge panels is triangular.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is magnetic based.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the central portion is rectangular or square in shape, the plurality of wing panels comprises four wing panels, and the plurality of hinge panels comprises four hinge panels.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the multiutility device further comprises a lid panel that extends from a side of a wing panel of the plurality of wing panels.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the multiutility device further comprises a drawstring running around the plurality of wing panels and the plurality of hinge panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of the device in a utility mat form, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the utility mat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the device transformed into a storage box from the utility mat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a utility mat of the device, showing a drawstring, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of a utility mat of the device that also has an integral lid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows the utility mat as shown in FIG. 5 further having fasteners for securing the lid to the storage box of the device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a utility mat of the device that has integral handles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, the reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0022] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term embodiments of the present invention does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0023] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising,, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0024] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0025] A novel device is disclosed that overcomes the limitations of several conventional containers. Disclosed is a multiutility device that is convertible between two intended purposes. Preferably, the disclosed device can transform between a utility mat and a storage box. The disclosed device overcomes the need to remove articles from a storage container and place them back into the storage container after use. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, articles can be stored in the storage box form of the device. For use, the storage box can collapse to transform into the utility mat over which the articles can be used. After use, the utility mat can be transformed back into the storage box and the articles automatically are stored in the storage box. This brings significant comfort to the users of such articles avoiding the need to return the items into the container every time after use, in particular for frequently used articles.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1 which shows the disclosed device 100 in the form of the utility mat. The utility mat shown in the drawings is planar with eight sides, somewhat resembling an octagon. The device has a central portion 110, four wing panels 120, and four hinge panels. The central portion, the four wing panels 120, and the four hinge panels 130 are integral forming a single unit. For example, the utility mat can be made from a single sheet of cardboard. The utility mat is flat and has an ample amount of space to use the articles. The central portion, the wing panels, and the hinge panels are of planar profile. The central portion has four edges, and the four wing panels extend from the four edges of the central portion. The hinge panels extend between the adjacent wing panels. The dimensions of the wing panels correspond to the dimensions of the central portion of the utility mat. The hinge panels are triangular in shape, wherein the outer periphery of the utility mat is continuous along eight continuous sides. Each of the four triangular hinge panels has a fold line 140 along a line of symmetry, dividing the respective hinge panels into two halves, wherein the two halves can pivotally fold over each other to a collapsed state and can be unfolded to an expanded state. The folding of the hinge panels allows the transformation of the utility mat to the storage box. The hinge panels can fold in either direction i.e., upwards or downwards, however, folding in any one of the two directions can be restricted.

[0027] In drawings, the central portion is shown to be square, is for illustration purposes only, and the central section can be polygonal, and any shape of the central section is within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the wing panels can be of any size proportional to the shape and size of the central section. FIG. 2 shows the rear of the utility mat 100. The utility mat can also have suitable fasteners 150 to hold together the two halves folded over each other i.e., in the collapsed state. Each of the two halves of the respective hinge panel can have a part of the fastener, for example, the fasteners can be magnets, hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, and the like. Any suitable fastener that can secure the two halves of the hinge panel together is within the scope of the present invention. It may, however, be preferable that the fastener can be released quickly and easily.

[0028] The utility mat can be transformed into a storage box, wherein the central portion forms the base of the storage box, and the wing panels form the side walls of the storage box. FIG. 3 shows the storage box transformed from the utility mat shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the utility mat shown in FIG. 1 is folded upwards (shown by arrow). To transform the utility mat to the storage box, the wing panels can be lifted upwards resulting in the folding of the hinge panels. The hinge panels can collapse inside the storage box when transforming the utility mat into the storage box. The hinge panels can also collapse outwards of the storage box, and the same can be configured. The top of the storage box is open for gaining access to the inside of the storage box. The open top can be closed by a lid, and such a lid can be separated or attached to one of the four wing panels. When attached, the lid can also be integral with the utility mat, wherein the lid and wing panel to which the lid is attached are integral forming a single unit. The integral lid can significantly increase the workable surface area of the utility mat.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a device 200 in the form of a utility tray having the central portion 210, wing panels 220, hinge panels 230, and lid 240. The lid can be integrated with one of the wing panels; for example, the utility mat shown in FIG. 5 can be manufactured from a single sheet of cardboard or similar material. The lid can optionally have flaps to cover the storage box. Means to secure the lid to any of the wing panels can also be provided. FIG. 6 shows device 300 in the form of a utility tray. The utility tray has a central portion 310, wings panels 320, and hinge panels 330. The utility tray also has a lid 340 integral with one of the wing panels. The lid has flaps 350 on three sides thereof. The flaps are provided with suitable fasteners for securing the lid to one or more wing panels. For example, fasteners in the form of magnets, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, and the like can also be provided. It is understood that a corresponding wing panel also has a member of the fastener such that the flap can be secured to the wing panel. FIG. 6 shows the fasteners on all three sides; however, any variation is within the scope of the present invention. For example, one or more of the flaps can have fasteners and one flap can have more than one fastener.

[0030] As explained above, each of the hinge panel can be secured in the collapsed state using a suitable fastener/fastening member to hold the two halves of the collapsed hinge panel together. The fastening member can include two elements that can be coupled to the two halves of the hinge panels. Preferably, the elements can be coupled to the bottom side of the hinge panels. The fastening member can also be a drawstring, i.e., a single drawstring running around the wing panels and hinge panels of the storage box and can be used to secure the device in the storage box form. FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the utility mat 400 having the central portion 410, wings panels 420, and hinge panels 430. The hinge panels can have a fold line along which the hinge panel can fold. It is to be noted that although the embodiments have been described separately, it does not limit the scope of the invention to any specific embodiment. The description for an embodiment once described may not be repeated for other embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the hinge panels having a sleeve 440 disposed along the periphery of the wing panels. Through the sleeve a drawstring 450 passes through, wherein the drawstring wraps around the storage box along the wing panels and the hinge panels. Each wing panel has at least one sleeve preferably near the periphery of the wing panel. However, the position of the sleeve can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, instead of sleeves, suitable loops, hooks, and the like can also be used to retain the drawstring over the wing panel. The sleeves and like loops can be coupled to the wing panels using a suitable adhesive or the like. Alternately, the sleeves can be made into the wing panels and are integral to the wing panels. One end of the drawstring passes through the sleeves of the four wing panels and runs over the hinge panels circumventing the hinge panels and the wing panels. The free ends of the drawstring, that extends out respectively from two adjacent sleeves, can be joined together using a handle 460. The handle can be a cord lock through which the two ends of the drawstring can pass through. The cord lock can secure the drawstring at a desired position, wherein the structure and functioning of the cord locks are well known.

[0032] For transforming the utility mat into the storage box, the drawstring through the handle can be pulled, which causes the drawstring to tighten which in turn causes the wing panels to lift and the hinge panels to collapse. Tightening the drawstring draws the four wing panels together, such that the device is transformed into the box state. The cord lock can secure the drawstring in a tensioned state securing the device in the box form. Releasing the drawstring may allow the device to relax and fall into the utility mat form.

[0033] The device may also be provided with suitable handles. FIG. 7 shows a device 500 in the form of a utility mat. The device 500 has a central portion 510, wing panels 520, and hinge panels 530. The handles 540 are shown coupled to opposite hinge panels. When the utility mat is transformed into the storage box, the handles can be used to carry the storage box. The position of the handles on the wing panels or hinge panels, the shape of the handles, and the size of the handles can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the number of handles can also be varied, and any number of handles are within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In use, the storage box can include utility articles. The storage box can be transformed into the utility tray, wherein the base of the storage box remains stationary and forms the central portion of the utility tray. The side walls can pivot down resulting in the hinge panels expanding to form the flat utility tray. The articles placed on the base of the storage box remain in the same position over the central portion of the utility tray. Herein, the terms base and central portion are interchangeably used, and the terms sidewall and the wing panel are interchangeably used when not used in the context of the storage box and utility mat respectively.

[0035] In certain implementations, the box may be used for storing various items, while the mat may provide a work surface for a particular use of the items. The terms items and articles are interchangeably used. Intended applications may include a convertible playmat/toybox, a makeup tray/makeup storage box, and a work surface/toolbox. In different embodiments, different structures may be incorporated over the central section of the utility mat, such as a makeup station, storage shelves, or a toy play structure. The different structures can provide additional utility, such as when intended to store makeup, the device may include a center stand with shelves affixed to the base for providing a makeup stand with a storage box and utility mat. A toybox embodiment may include a play structure for toys within the box or playful designs on the surface of the mat. A toolbox embodiment may include a plurality of wheels disposed on an underside of the base for allowing the system to be rolled, particularly while in a box form. In certain implementations, the hinge panels may limit the movement of the wing panels between horizontal and vertical states. However, additional mechanisms are within the scope of the present invention for limiting the movement of the wing panels between the horizontal and vertical states.

[0036] The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the convertible box and mat system may vary upon manufacturing.

[0037] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0038] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete, and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0039] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.