WO2012047799A2

WO2012047799A2 - Convertible container with stiffeners

Info

Publication number: WO2012047799A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/054590
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild; Sarah N. Kelly
Original assignee: International Holdings Llc
Priority date: 2010-10-04
Filing date: 2011-10-03
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: WO2012047799A3

Abstract

A device convertible between a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration includes a base, a first and a second side wall, a first and a second end wall, and a plurality of stiffening rib members. A width of each of the plurality of stiffening rib members is no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of any of the walls. The length of each of the plurality of stiffening rib members is the same as the length of all of the walls. Zipper assemblies are configured to releasably connect the side walls to the end walls. The zipper assemblies each include zipper tape that has a length which corresponds to the length of all of the walls. The walls have dimensions such that responsive to the device being folded into a third storage configuration, a footprint of the device is substantially the same as a footprint of the base.

Description

CONVERTIBLE CONTAINER WITH STIFFENERS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/389,706, filed October 4, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to storage devices and, more particularly, to convertible containers with stiffeners that can be converted between a storage device and an activity mat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Projects and activities involving multiple pieces are often difficult and time-consuming to clean up. This is especially true when there are hundreds of small pieces. Most often, the articles are stored in containers and then dumped out for use. When it is time to stop participating in the activity, the articles are put back into the container. If the participant is a child, the clean-up process can cause frustration for both the child and the child's care-giver.

[0004] Examples of activities involving numerous small articles include: building sets, bead making, crafts, painting, clay modeling, personal grooming such as manicures, make-up, etc., household repairs, auto repairs, machinery repair, board games, puzzles, train sets, and the like. Examples of small articles include dolls, marbles, jacks, beads, puzzles, Christmas decorations, and the like. Examples of containers that can hold numerous small articles include lunch boxes, picnic baskets.

[0005] Storage containers, play mats, and work mats of various sizes and configurations exist for toys, crafts, and tools. Some of these containers and mats include baffles to aid in stiffening the containers in the assembled configuration. It is desirable to reduce the amount of materials needed to create the storage containers without a decrease in stiffness of the storage containers in the assembled configuration.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a collapsible device that has the aforementioned and other features. The present disclosure addresses this and other needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the disclosure is to provide a device that is convertible between an assembled storage container configuration and a flattened activity mat configuration using less materials than previously necessary without reducing the stiffness of the device in the assembled storage container configuration.

[0008] Further objects include providing surfaces that are compatible with particular activities. These surfaces can be washable, cushioned, oil resistant, and/or compatible with interlocking building components such as plastic blocks, building sticks, play dough, food, tools, cosmetics, and the like. Other objectives will be apparent from the detailed description, figures, and claims set forth below.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device convertible between a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration includes a base, a first and a second side wall, a first and a second end wall, a first pair of stiffening rib members, and a second pair of stiffening rib members. The first side wall and the second side wall is each connected at a bottom edge thereof to the base. The first end wall and the second end wall is each connected at a bottom edge thereof to the base. Each of the first pair of stiffening rib members is adjacent to an opposing side edge of the first side wall along the entire length of each of the respective side edges of the first side wall. A width of each of the first pair of stiffening rib members is no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of the first side wall. The length of each of the first pair of stiffening rib members is the same as the length of the first side wall. Each of the second pair of stiffening rib members is adjacent to an opposing side edge of the second side wall along the entire length of each of the respective side edges of the second side wall. A width of each of the second pair of stiffening rib members is no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of the second side wall. The length of each of the second pair of stiffening rib members is the same as the length of the second side wall. A first zipper assembly is configured to releasably connect the first side wall to the first end wall. The first zipper assembly includes a first zipper tape that has a length which corresponds to the length of the first side wall and a length of the first end wall. A second zipper assembly is configured to releasably connect the second side wall to the second end wall. The second zipper assembly includes a second zipper tape that has a length which corresponds to the length of the second side wall and a length of the second end wall. The first and second side walls and the first and second end walls have dimensions such that responsive to the device being folded into a third storage configuration, a footprint of the device is substantially the same as a footprint of the base.

[0010] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, figures, and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and other advantages of the disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a convertible storage container in an erect, assembled configuration with a lid attached according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the convertible storage container of FIG. 1 A with the lid removed;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible storage container shown in FIG. 1A in an open flattened configuration as an activity mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of an upper corner of a container portion of the convertible storage container of FIGS. 1A and IB;

[0016] FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a central portion of the container portion of the convertible storage container of FIGS. 1A and IB;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the central portion of the container portion shown in FIG. 3B;

[0018] FIGS. 5-7 are perspective views of the container portion of the convertible storage container of FIGS. 1A and IB illustrating a method of converting the convertible storage container from the erect, assembled configuration of FIG. 1 A to the open flattened configuration of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIGS. 8-12 are perspective views of the container portion of the convertible storage container of FIGS. 1A and IB illustrating a method of converting the convertible storage container from the open flattened configuration of FIG. 2 to the stacked, folded configuration of FIG. 12;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the convertible storage container of FIGS. 1A and IB in a stacked, folded configuration positioned inside the lid of the convertible storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a convertible storage container in an open and partially flattened configuration as an activity mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a top view of the convertible storage container of FIG. 14 in an erect, assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a convertible storage container in an open and partially flattened configuration as an activity mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] FIG. 17 is a top view of the convertible storage container of FIG. 16 in an erect, assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a collapsible transportable device is provided for storing articles, which device upon opening converts or transforms into an activity surface for using the articles contained within the container and which upon converting or transforming the activity surface into the container it recaptures the articles that were distributed on the activity surface. In a first configuration, the container has a box-like shape. This configuration is then convertible into a second configuration where the device takes the shape of an activity mat. This configuration is then convertible into a third configuration where the walls of the device assume a folded, stacked relationship. The terms "convertible" and "transformable" and their grammatical variants are used interchangeably herein.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A, a convertible storage container 10 is shown in a first erect, assembled configuration. The convertible storage container 10 includes a container portion 15 and a lid 20 in place on top of the container portion 15. FIG. IB illustrates the convertible storage container 10 with the lid 20 removed from the container portion 15. The lid 20 can fit loosely on the container portion 15 or it can fit snugly thereby adding to the rigidity of the convertible storage container 10.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the container portion 15 of FIGS. 1A and IB is shown in a second open, flattened configuration as a flattened activity mat. As shown, the container portion 15 includes a base 30, a first end wall 40, a second end wall 50, a first side wall 60, a second side wall 70, a first stiffening rib member 80a, a second stiffening rib member 80b, a third stiffening rib member 80c, and a fourth stiffening rib member 80d.

[0029] Each of the walls has a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposing side edges. Specifically, the first end wall 40 has a proximal side edge 42, a distal side edge 44, a bottom edge 46, and a top edge 48 and the second end wall 50 has a proximal side edge 52, a distal side edge 54, a bottom edge 56, and a top edge 58. Similarly, the first side wall 60 has a proximal side edge 62, a distal side edge 64, a bottom edge 66, and a top edge 68 and the second side wall 70 has a proximal side edge 72, a distal side edge 74, a bottom edge 76, and a top edge 78.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 each have the same length, 1. Additionally, the stiffening rib members 80a-d each have the same length, 1, as the length, 1, of the walls 40, 40, 60, and 70. As such, when the container portion 15 is in the assembled configuration, as in FIGS. 1A and IB, the top edges 48, 58, 68, and 78 of all of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, lie in the same horizontal plane. Including the stiffening rib members 80a-d that have the same, or substantially the same, lengths as the length, 1, of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 adds to the rigidity and stiffness of the convertible storage container 10 in the first erect, assembled configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A and IB. For example, the rigidity and stiffness is increased as compared to a container without stiffening rib members having a length equal to a length of the walls. Such a convertible storage container can hold more items of a heavier weight and can have heavier items stacked on top of the convertible storage container in the first erect, assembled configuration.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the stiffening rib members 80a-d are coupled to a respective side edge of the side walls 60, 70. Specifically, the first stiffening rib member 80a is coupled to the proximal side edge 62 of the first side wall 60 and the second stiffening rib member 80b is coupled to the distal side edge 64 of the first side wall 60. Similarly, the third stiffening rib member 80c is coupled to the proximal side edge 72 of the second side wall 70 and the fourth stiffening rib member 80d is coupled to the distal side edge 74 of the second side wall 70.

[0032] Each of the stiffening rib members 80a-d has the same width w_s and each of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 has the same width w_w. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a ratio of the width w_s of the stiffening rib members 80a-d to the width w_w of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 (w_s to w_w) is about 1 to 12. According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a ratio of the width w_s of the stiffening rib members 80a-d to the width w_w of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 (w_s to w_w) is about 1 to 10. Yet according to other aspects of the present disclosure, a ratio of the width w_s of the stiffening rib members 80a- d to the width w_w of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 (w_s to w_w) is about 1 to 5. Various other ratios (w_s to w_w) are contemplated such that the width w_s of the stiffening rib members 80a-d is less than about half of the width w_w of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0033] While the stiffening rib members 80a-d are shown as having the same width w_s, it is contemplated that the width of one or more of the stiffening members 80a-d can vary. Similarly, while the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 are shown as having the same width w_w, it is contemplated that the width of one or more of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 can vary.

[0034] The base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d are made from one or more interior sheets or sections of rigid or semi-rigid material and one or more external covers or overcoats. The one or more external covers protect and/or surround the one or more interior sheets or sections. The one or more external covers can be water resistant/water proof, durable, flexible, resilient, or a combination thereof. The one or more external covers can be wrapped and/or positioned around the one or more interior sheets in a variety of manners and sewn, glued, or otherwise fastened to itself to form a multitude of seams around the edges of the one or more interior sheets.

[0035] The one or more interior sheets that form the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d can be made of plastic, polypropylene, cardboard, paperboard, foam, or a combination thereof. The one or more external covers can be made from a variety of fabrics, such as, for example, fabric made from one or more of rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylic, acetate, cotton, linen, hemp, etc.

[0036] According to some implementations of the present concepts described herein, each of the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d can be made from an individual interior sheet or section of material such that nine separate and distinct interior sheets or sections of material are used to manufacture the container portion 15. The nine separate and distinct interior sheets can be, for example, cut from a larger sheet of stock material.

[0037] Alternatively, each of the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d can be made from a single interior sheet or section of material such that one interior sheet or section of material is used to manufacture the container portion 15. In such alternative implementations, the single interior sheet or section of material used is, for example, cut from a larger sheet of stock material into a shape the same as, or similar to, the shape of the container portion 15 in the second flattened configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, and can be scored and/or bent to define the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d from one another. For example, as best shown in FIG. 4, which is a top cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the first side wall 60 and the first stiffening rib member 80a are made from the same interior sheet 61, 81 that is bent at the proximal side edge 62 of the first side wall 60 to define the first side wall 60 and the first stiffening rib member 80a. That is, the bend defines the interior sheet portion 61 of the first side wall 60 and the interior sheet portion [0038] Yet, in a further alternative, some of the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d can be made from a single interior sheet or section of material and the others of the base 30, the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70, and the stiffening rib members 80a-d can be made from individual interior sheets or sections of material. For example, the base 30 and the end walls 40, 50 can be made from a first interior sheet or section of material, the first side wall 60 and the first and the second stiffening rib members 80a,b can be made from a second interior sheet or section of material, and the second side wall 70 and the third and the fourth stiffening rib members 80c,d can be made from a third interior sheet or section of material. One or more exterior covers can be used to cover the three interior sheets and assembled together to form the container portion 15 of the convertible storage container 10. Various other numbers and arrangements of interior sheets and/or external covers are contemplated.

[0039] Referring back to FIG. IB, the container portion 15 includes four zipper assemblies, one located at each of the corners of the convertible storage container 10 in a fastened position. Each zipper assembly includes a zipper 25a-d, a zipper pull 26a-d, zipper tape, and zipper teeth. Each zipper assembly can also include one or more zipper stops for stopping the zipper 25a-d from traveling beyond the zipper teeth. Each of the zippers 25a-d is coupled to a respective one of the zipper pulls 26a-d to aid in moving the zippers 25a-d up and down between the fastened (FIG. IB) and unfastened (FIG. 2) positions. When the zippers 25a-d are in the fastened position, the zippers 25a-d releasably hold the end walls 40, 50 to the sides walls 60, 70. When the zippers 25a-d are moved from the fastened position (FIG. IB) to an unfastened position (FIG. 2), the zippers 25a-d operate to release the end walls 40, 50 from the side walls 60, 70. Specifically, when the first zipper 25 a is in the fastened position it holds the proximal side edge 42 of the first end wall 40 to the proximal side edge 62 of the first side wall 60. When the second zipper 25b is in the fastened position it holds the proximal side edge 52 of the second end wall 50 to the distal side edge 64 of the first side wall 60. When the third zipper 25 c is in the fastened position it holds the distal side edge 54 of the second end wall 50 to the distal side edge 74 of the second side wall 70. When the fourth zipper 25 d is in the fastened position it holds the distal side edge 44 of the first end wall 40 to the proximal side edge 72 of the second side wall 70. [0040] Including one of the stiffening rib members 80a-d at each internal corner of the convertible storage container 10 adds rigidity and stiffness to the convertible storage container 10 in the first erect, assembled configuration, where the zippers 25a-d are in the fastened position (FIG. IB). The stiffening rib members 80a-d add rigidity and stiffness to the walls they are directly coupled to; surprisingly, the stiffening rib members 80a-d also add rigidity and stiffness to the adjacent walls that do not have rib members, providing great rigidity and stiffness to the container 10 from lateral and transverse forces applied from the top of the container 10 (such as when multiple containers 10 in their first configuration are stacked on top of one another or a child sits on the top of the container 10), or from objects within the interior of the container 10 pressing outward against the walls. For example, when the first zipper 25a is in the fastened position (zippered up, FIG. IB), the first stiffening rib member 80a adds rigidity and stiffness to the first side wall 60 and to the first end wall 40. Thus, for a four sided container according to the present concepts, only four stiffening rib members are needed - one at each corner. As shown, the four stiffening rib members 80a-d are only coupled to the side walls 60, 70; however, it is contemplated that the four stiffening rib members 80a-d can alternatively be coupled to the end walls 40, 50.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, exemplary details about the zipper assemblies between the end walls 40, 50 and the side walls 60, 70 are shown. FIG. 3A illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the upper corner of the container portion 15, FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a central portion of the container portion 15, and FIG. 4 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B. Each of the zippers 25a-d is connected to the end walls 40, 50 and to the side walls 60, 70 by way of the zipper tape. The zipper tape can be sown or otherwise fastened to the walls. The zipper tape and attached zipper teeth will now be described in reference to the zipper assembly attached between the first end wall 40 and the first side wall 60 as shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 4; however, it is understood that the zipper assemblies attached between the first end wall 40 and the second side wall 70, attached between the second end wall 50 and the first side wall 60, and attached between the second end wall 50 and the second side wall 70 include similar zipper tape and zipper teeth elements. [0042] The first zipper 25 a is connected to the first end wall 40 and the first side wall 60 by way of a zipper tape 27a,b. A first portion of the zipper tape 27a is attached to the first end wall 40 at the proximal side edge 42 and a second portion of the zipper tape 27b is attached to the first side wall 60 at the proximal side edge 62. The first portion of the zipper tape 27a includes a first plurality of zipper teeth 28a and the second portion of the zipper tape 27b includes a second plurality of zipper teeth 28b. As the zipper 25a is moved upward in a zipping direction, the zipper 25 a causes the first plurality of zipper teeth 28a to removably engage with corresponding ones of the second plurality of zipper teeth 28b. Additionally, as the zipper 25a is moved downward in an unzipping direction, the zipper 25a causes the first plurality of zipper teeth 28a to disengage from corresponding ones of the second plurality of zipper teeth 28b.

[0043] Optionally, each of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 can further include a seam binding or bias tape 90 as shown in FIG. 3A. The seam binding 90 can aid in preventing the zippers 25a-d from being zippered off of the zipper tape when fastening the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 together. Other means for preventing the zippers 25a-d from being zippered off of the zipper tape are contemplated as are known in the art.

[0044] As best shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the first portion of the zipper tape 27a is attached within a seam of an exterior cover 40a of the first end wall 40 along the proximal side edge 42 such that the first portion of zipper tape 27a is partially located within the exterior cover 40a. The exterior cover 40a protects and/or covers an internal sheet 41 included in the first end wall 40 as described herein. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first portion of the zipper tape 27a can be attached to an exterior surface of the exterior cover 40a of the first end wall 40, such as, for example, in a similar manner that the second portion of the zipper tape 27b is attached to an exterior cover 60a of the first side wall 60. The exterior cover 60a protects and/or covers an internal sheet portion 61 included in the first side wall 60 as described herein.

[0045] The second portion of the zipper tape 27b is shown as being attached the exterior cover 60a of the first side wall 60 at the proximal side edge 62. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the second portion of the zipper tape 27b can be attached to an exterior cover 80a' of the first stiffening rib member 80a adjacent the proximal side edge 62 of the first side wall 60. The exterior cover 80a' protects and/or covers an internal sheet portion 81 included in the first stiffening rib member 80a as described herein.

[0046] The zipper tape is made of a resilient material. The resilient zipper tape allows the zippers 25a-d to move freely between their fastened and unfastened positions. Without resilient zipper tape, it was found that the zippers 25a-d cannot be fastened unless the end walls 40, 50 and the side walls 60, 70 are in very close alignment. The resilient zipper tape provides sufficient "play" between the zipper teeth and the external covers of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70 to which the zipper tape is attached. The resilient zipper tape can be a stretchable fabric, such as Spandex, elastane, Lycra, or the like, or any flexible material as mentioned herein. By "resilient," it is meant that the zipper tape is at least flexible and can also be stretchable, but not necessarily.

[0047] Referring generally to FIGS. IB, and 5-7, an exemplary cycle of converting the convertible storage container 10 from the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1A and IB) to the second flattened configuration (FIGS. 2 and 7) is described. Initially, to transform the convertible storage container 10 from the first assembled configuration (FIG. 1 A) into the second, flatten configuration as an activity mat (FIG. 2), the lid 20 is removed and the four zippers pulls 26a-d are pulled in a downward direction, unfastening the zippers 25a-d along the length of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the first and the second end walls 40, 50 can be folded flat in the direction of the illustrated arrows. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the first and the second side walls 60, 70 can be folded flat in the direction of the illustrated arrows. Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth stiffening rib members 80a-d can be folded in the direction of the illustrated arrows, which results in a substantially flat activity mat. To convert the convertible storage container 10 back into the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 A and IB) the reverse steps can be employed.

[0049] Referring generally to FIGS. 8-12, an exemplary cycle of converting the convertible storage container 10 from the second flattened configuration (FIGS. 2 and 7) to the third folded and stacked configuration (FIG. 12) is described.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, the first end walls 40 can be folded along its bottom edge 46 in the direction of the illustrated arrow such that the first end wall 40 is stacked on top of the base 30. [0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the second end wall 50 can be folded along its bottom edge 56 in the direction of the illustrated arrow such that the second end wall 50 is stacked on top of the first end wall 40.

[0052] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the third and the fourth stiffening rib members 80c,d can be folded along the proximal side edge 72 and the distal side edge 74 of the second side wall 70, respectively, in the direction of the illustrated arrows and then the second side wall 70 can be folded along its bottom edge 76 in the direction of the illustrated arrow such that second side wall 70 is stacked on top of the second end wall 50 with the third and the fourth stiffening rib members 80c,d positioned therebetween.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the first and the second stiffening rib members 80a,b can be folded along the proximal side edge 62 and the distal side edge 64 of the first side wall 60, respectively, in the direction of the illustrated arrows and then the first side wall 60 can be folded along its bottom edge 66 in the direction of the illustrated arrow such that first side wall 60 is stacked on top of the second side wall 70 with the first and the second stiffening rib members 80a,b positioned therebetween, which results in the third stacked configuration of the container portion 15 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0054] Although the above exemplary cycle has been shown to include a specific sequence of folding operations, it should be understood that the sequence can be changed such that the folding order differs from that shown in FIGS. 8-12.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the container portion 15 of the convertible storage container 10 in the third stacked configuration can be completely placed inside the lid 20 for easy and convenient storage of the convertible storage container 10. The compact collapsed third stacked configuration advantageously minimizes size for storage, transportation, and retailing.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a container portion 215 of a convertible storage container is shown. FIG. 14 illustrates the container portion 215 in an open and partially flattened configuration (stiffening rib members are not flattened) and FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the container portion 215 in an erect, assembled configuration. The container portion 215 includes a base 230, a first end wall 240, a second end wall 250, a first side wall 260, a second side wall 270, and four stiffening rib members 280a-d. Each one of the stiffening rib members 280a-d is attached to one side edge of a respective one of the walls 240, 250, 260, and 270. Specifically, the first stiffening rib member 280a is attached to a proximate side edge of the first side wall 260 and the third stiffening rib member 280c is attached to a distal side edge of the second side wall 270. Similarly, the second stiffening rib member 280b is attached to a proximate side edge of the first end wall 250 and the fourth stiffening rib member 280d is attached to a distal side edge of the first send wall 240.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a container portion 315 of a convertible storage container is shown. FIG. 16 illustrates the container portion 315 in an open and partially flattened configuration (stiffening rib members are not flattened) and FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the container portion 315 in an erect, assembled configuration. The container portion 315 includes a base 330, a first end wall 340, a second end wall 350, a first side wall 360, a second side wall 370, and eight stiffening rib members 380a-h. Each one of the stiffening rib members 380a-h is attached to one side edge of a respective one of the walls 340, 350, 360, and 370. Specifically, the first stiffening rib member 380a is attached to a proximate side edge of the first side wall 360, the second stiffening rib member 380b is attached to a distal side edge of the first side wall 360, the third stiffening rib member 380c is attached to a proximate side edge of the second side wall 370, the fourth stiffening rib member 380d is attached to a distal side edge of the second side wall 370, the fifth stiffening rib member 380e is attached to a proximate side edge of the first end wall 340, the sixth stiffening rib member 380f is attached to a distal side edge of the first end wall 340, the seventh stiffening rib member 380g is attached to a proximate side edge of the second end wall 350, the eighth stiffening rib member 380h is attached to a distal side edge of the second end wall 350.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 17, in the erect, assembled configuration of the container portion 315, the adjacent stiffening rib members abut and are forced into a 45 degree angle with respect to the various walls 340, 350, 360, and 370. For example, the first and the fifth stiffening rib members 380a,e are forced to abut when the container portion 315 is in the first erect, assembled configuration such that the first stiffening rib member 380a is positioned at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the first side wall 360 and the fifth stiffening rib member 380e is positioned at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the first end wall 340. Such an arrangement adds stiffness and rigidity to the container portion 315 in the erect, assembled configuration.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, the convertible storage container 10 has a footprint of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches and a height of about 12 inches.

[0060] In a specific embodiment, the container portion 215, 315 has a footprint of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches and a height of about 12 inches in the erect, assembled configuration.

[0100] It is contemplated that the convertible storage container 10 can further include a vent hole (not shown), which is optionally covered by a mesh, to vent odors and moisture away from an interior of the convertible storage container 10 when in the erect, assembled configuration (FIGS. 1A and IB). Vent holes can be incorporated into the lid 20 and/or the container portion 15.

[0101] It is contemplated that the convertible storage container 10 can further include one or more handles (not shown), and/or straps (not shown), and/or wheels (not shown). The straps and/or handles can be attached to the container portion 15 and/or the lid 20. The wheels can be attached to the base and/or one or more of the walls 40, 50, 60, and 70. Instead of using zipper assemblies to secure the walls of the container 10, alternately, hook and loop fasteners can be used.

[0102] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A device convertible between a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:

a base;

a first side wall and a second side wall, each connected at a bottom edge thereof to the base;

a first end wall and a second end wall, each connected at a bottom edge thereof to the base;

a first pair of stiffening rib members adjacent to opposing side edges of the first side wall along the entire length of each of the respective side edges of the first side wall, a width of each of the first pair of stiffening rib members being no greater than 40% of a width of the bottom edge of the first side wall, the length of each of the first pair of stiffening rib members being the same as the length of the first side wall;

a second pair of stiffening rib members adjacent to opposing side edges of the second side wall along the entire length of each of the respective side edges of the second side wall, a width of each of the second pair of stiffening rib members being no greater than 40% of a width of the bottom edge of the second side wall, the length of each of the second pair of stiffening rib members being the same as the length of the second side wall;

a first zipper assembly configured to releasably connect the first side wall to the first end wall, the first zipper assembly including a first zipper tape having a length corresponding to the length of the first side wall and a length of the first end wall; and

a second zipper assembly configured to releasably connect the second side wall to the second end wall, the second zipper assembly including a second zipper tape having a length corresponding to the length of the second side wall and a length of the second end wall,

wherein the first and second side walls and the first and second end walls have dimensions such that responsive to the device being folded into a third storage configuration, a footprint of the device is substantially the same as a footprint of the base.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the width of each of the first pair of stiffening rib members is no greater than 10% of the width of the bottom edge of the first side wall and wherein the width of each of the second pair of stiffening rib members is no greater than 10% of the width of the bottom edge of the second side wall.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first zipper assembly further includes a first zipper, a first zipper pull, and first zipper teeth and wherein the second zipper assembly further includes a second zipper, a second zipper pull, and second zipper teeth.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a third zipper assembly configured to releasably connect the first side wall to the second end wall, the third zipper assembly including a third zipper tape having a length corresponding to the length of the first side wall and a length of the second end wall; and

a fourth zipper assembly configured to releasably connect the second side wall to the first end wall, the fourth zipper assembly include a fourth zipper tape having a length corresponding to the length of the second side wall and a length of the first end wall.

5. The device of claim 1, further including a lid having an internal portion, the internal portion of the lid being configured to cover an interior volume of the device in the first configuration.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the lid is configured to store the device in the third storage configuration such that the entire device is stored in the internal portion of the lid.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the first zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the first end wall and a second portion of the first zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the first side wall.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the first zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the first end wall and a second portion of the first zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of a first one of the first pair of stiffening rib members.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the second zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the second end wall and a second portion of the second zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the second side wall.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the second zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of the second end wall and a second portion of the second zipper tape is attached to an outside surface of a first one of the second pair of stiffening rib members.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is stackable with similar devices when in the first configuration.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first pair of stiffening rib members and each of the second pair of stiffening rib members has a rectangular shape.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a cube shape in the first configuration and wherein the first and the second end walls, the first and the second side walls, and the base each have the same dimensions.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first and the second end walls, the first and the second side walls, and the base each have a width of 12 inches and length of 12 inches.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a rectangular shape in the first configuration and wherein the first and the second end walls have a length that is longer than a length of the first and the second side walls.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a rectangular shape in the first configuration and wherein the first and the second end walls have a width that is longer than a width of the first and the second side walls.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a rectangular shape in the first configuration and wherein the first and the second side walls have a length that is longer than a length of the first and the second end walls.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a rectangular shape in the first configuration and wherein the first and the second side walls have a width that is longer than a width of the first and the second end walls.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the base, the first and the second side walls, the first and the second end walls, the first pair of stiffening rib members, and the second pair of stiffening rib members is each constructed of an internal sheet of material and an external cover.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the internal sheets of material is made of plastic, cardboard, paperboard, or a combination thereof.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein the external cover is made of a fabric material.

22. A device convertible between a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration, comprising:

a base;

a plurality of stiffening rib members, a first one of the plurality of stiffening rib members being adjacent to a proximal side edge of the first side wall along the entire length of the proximal side edge of the first side wall, a width of the first stiffening rib member being no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of the first side wall, the length of the first stiffening rib member being the same as the length of the first side wall, a second one of the plurality of stiffening rib members being adjacent to a proximal side edge of the second end wall along the entire length of the proximal side edge of the second end wall, a width of the second stiffening rib member being no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of the second end wall, the length of the second stiffening rib member being the same as the length of the second end wall, a third one of the plurality of stiffening rib members being adjacent to a distal side edge of the second side wall along the entire length of the distal side edge of the second side wall, a width of the third stiffening rib member being no greater than 20%> of a width of the bottom edge of the second side wall, the length of the third stiffening rib member being the same as the length of the second side wall, a fourth one of the plurality of stiffening rib members being adjacent to a distal side edge of the first end wall along the entire length of the distal side edge of the first end wall, a width of the fourth stiffening rib member being no greater than 20% of a width of the bottom edge of the first end wall, the length of the fourth stiffening rib member being the same as the length of the first end wall;

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the plurality of stiffening rib members includes eight stiffening rib members.