U.S. patent application number 13/730701 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for transforming insulated container and multipurpose mat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Benjamin Wagner. Invention is credited to Benjamin Wagner.
Application Number | 20140023295 13/730701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49946600 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140023295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner; Benjamin |
January 23, 2014 |
TRANSFORMING INSULATED CONTAINER AND MULTIPURPOSE MAT
Abstract
A combination insulated container and multipurpose mat and, in
particular, a flexible, impermeable multipurpose mat that can be
folded and secured to create an insulated bag.
Inventors: |
Wagner; Benjamin; (Portland,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wagner; Benjamin |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49946600 |
Appl. No.: |
13/730701 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61673714 |
Jul 19, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20130101; A45C
2200/20 20130101; A45C 2007/0013 20130101; A45C 7/0077 20130101;
A45C 9/00 20130101; A47G 9/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/4 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00 |
Claims
1. An insulated container and multipurpose mat (1), comprising: a.
a flexible panel (2), having a first outer surface (3), a second
outer surface (4), and an edge (5) joining said first and second
outer surfaces (3 and 4); b. a first strap length (6) attached to
said flexible panel (2) such that a portion of said first strap
length (6) is adjacent a first portion (7) of said edge (5); c. a
second strap length (8) attached to said flexible panel (2) such
that a portion of said second strap length (8) is adjacent a second
portion (9) of said edge (5); d. a third strap length (10) attached
to said flexible panel (2) such that a portion of said third strap
length (10) is adjacent a third portion (11) of said edge (5); e. a
fourth strap length (12) attached to said flexible panel (2) such
that a portion of said fourth strap length (12) is adjacent a
fourth portion (13) of said edge (5), wherein: i. said first strap
length (6) is substantially diametrically opposed to said second
strap length (8) across said flexible panel (2) on a first
diametrical axis (14); ii. said third strap length (10) is
substantially diametrically opposed to said fourth strap (12)
length across said flexible panel (2) on a second diametrical axis
(15), wherein: (a) said first diametrical axis (14) is orthogonal
to said second diametrical axis (15).
2. A combination (23) of the insulated container and multipurpose
mat (1) of claim 1 and an object (16), said object (16) having a
first circumference (17) and a second circumference (18) orthogonal
to said first circumference (17), a maximum height (21) and a
maximum width (22), wherein: a. said first diametrical axis (14) is
parallel and proximate a first diameter (19) of said insulated
container and multipurpose mat (1); b. said second diametrical axis
(15) is parallel and proximate a second diameter (20) of said
insulated container and multipurpose mat (1); wherein: i. said
first diameter (19) and said second diameter (20) are mutually
orthogonal; and ii. said first circumference (17) is longer than
said first diameter (19); iii. said second circumference (18) is
shorter than said second diameter (20); iv. said first diameter
(19) is aligned with said first circumference (17) and said first
and second edge portions (7 and 9) of said edge (5) at opposite
ends of said first diameter (19) are turned up so that said
flexible panel (2) extends more than halfway up the maximum height
(21) of said object (16) until said first and second edge portions
(7 and 9) are separated by less than the maximum width (22) of said
object (16); and v. said first strap length (6) is releasably
connected to said second strap length (8); wherein: c. said second
diameter (20) is aligned with said second circumference (18) and
said third and fourth portions (11 and 13) of said edge (5) at
opposite ends of said second diameter (20) are turned up so that a
third area (26) of said flexible panel (2) adjacent said third
portion (11) of said edge (5) is over a fourth area (27) of said
flexible panel (2) adjacent said fourth portion (13) of said edge
(5); d. said third strap length (10) is releasably connected to
said fourth strap length (12); e. a first area (24) of said
flexible panel (2) adjacent said first portion (7) of said edge (5)
is under said third and fourth areas (26 and 27) of said flexible
panel (2); f. a second area (25) of said flexible panel (2)
adjacent said second portion (9) of said edge (5) is under said
third and fourth areas (26 and 27) of said flexible panel (2); g. a
portion of said flexible panel (2) is between said object (16) and
any portion of said edge (5) not in contact with said object (16);
and h. a portion of said flexible panel (2) covers any portion of
said edge (5) that is in contact with said object (16).
3. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 2,
wherein: a. said edge (5) has four straight sides (28), each
corresponding to one of said first, second, third and fourth
portions (7, 9, 11 and 13) of said edge (5).
4. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 3,
wherein: a. said first diameter (19) bisects said second diameter
(20); and b. said second diameter (20) bisects said first diameter
(19).
5. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 4,
wherein: a. said object (16) is generally bounded by a right-angled
parallelepiped (29), said right-angled parallelepiped (29) having a
length (30), a height (21), a width (22), a bottom (31), first and
second long sides (32), first and second short sides (33), and a
top (34); b. said first circumference (17) of said object (16) is
equal to the sum of twice said height (21) and twice said width
(22); c. said second circumference (18) of said object (16) is
equal to the sum of twice said height (21) and twice said length
(30); and d. said first diameter (19) of said insulated container
and multipurpose mat (1) is greater than the sum of said width (22)
and twice said height (21) of said right-angled parallelepiped
(16), and less than the sum of twice said width (22) and twice said
height (21) of said right-angled parallelepiped (16).
6. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 5,
wherein: a. a first buckle (35) is joined to said flexible panel
(2) by said first strap length (6); b. a second buckle (35) is
joined to said flexible panel (2) by said second strap length (8);
c. a third buckle (35) is joined to said flexible panel (2) by said
third strap length (10); and d. a fourth buckle (35) is joined to
said flexible panel (2) by said fourth strap length (12).
7. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 6
wherein said flexible panel (2) is formed from three layers, a
first outer layer (36) the exterior of which is the first outer
surface (3) of the flexible panel (2), a second outer layer (37)
the exterior of which is the second outer surface (4) of the
flexible panel (2), and a first inner layer (38) between said first
and second outer layers (36 and 37).
8. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 7
wherein said first inner layer (38) is formed from an insulating
material substantially more temperature-insulating than said first
and second outer layers (36 and 37).
9. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 8
wherein said first inner layer (38) is formed from a compressible
insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press
the overlapping portions of said flexible panel (2) together.
10. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 9
wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and 37) of said
flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.
11. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 10
wherein said second outer surface (4) of said flexible panel (2) is
reflective.
12. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 11
wherein said first, second, third and fourth strap lengths (6, 8,
10 and 12) interface with and are attached to said first outer
surface (3) of said flexible panel (2).
13. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 12
wherein said third and fourth strap lengths (10 and 12) are joined
to each other.
14. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 1,
adapted for containing an object (16) having a first circumference
(17) and a second circumference (18) orthogonal to said first
circumference (17), a maximum height (21) and a maximum width (22),
wherein: a. said first diametrical axis (14) is parallel and
proximate a first diameter (19) of said insulated container and
multipurpose mat (1); b. said second diametrical axis (15) is
parallel and proximate a second diameter (20) of said insulated
container and multipurpose mat (1); wherein: i. said first diameter
(19) and said second diameter (20) are mutually orthogonal; and ii.
said first diameter (19) is adapted to be shorter than said first
circumference (17); iii. said second diameter (20) is adapted to be
longer than said second circumference (18); iv. said first diameter
(19) is adapted to be aligned with said first circumference (17)
and said first and second portions (7 and 9) of said edge (5) at
opposite ends of said first diameter (19) are adapted to be turned
up so that said flexible panel (2) can extend more than halfway up
the maximum height (21) of said object (16) until said first and
second edge portions (7 and 9) can be separated by less than the
maximum width (22) of said object (16); and v. said first strap
length (6) can be releasably connected to said second strap length
(8); wherein: c. said second diameter (20) is adapted to be aligned
with said second circumference (18) and said third and fourth
portions (11 and 13) of said edge (5) at opposite ends of said
second diameter (20) are adapted to be turned up so that a third
area (26) of said flexible panel (2) adjacent said third portion
(11) of said edge (5) can be over a fourth area (27) of said
flexible panel (2) adjacent said fourth portion (13) of said edge
(5); d. said third strap length (10) can be releasably connected to
said fourth strap length (12); e. a first area (24) of said
flexible panel (2) adjacent said first portion (7) of said edge (5)
can be under said third and fourth areas (26 and 27) of said
flexible panel (2); f. a second area (25) of said flexible panel
(2) adjacent said second portion (9) of said edge (5) can be under
said third and fourth areas (26 and 27) of said flexible panel (2);
g. a portion of said flexible panel (2) can be between said object
(16) and any portion of said edge (5) not in contact with said
object (16); and h. a portion of said flexible panel (2) can cover
any portion of said edge (5) that is in contact with said object
(16).
15. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 14,
wherein: a. said edge (5) has four straight sides (28), each
corresponding to one of said first, second, third and fourth
portions (7, 9, 11 and 13) of said edge (5).
16. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 15,
wherein: a. said first diameter (19) bisects said second diameter
(20); and b. said second diameter (20) bisects said first diameter
(19).
17. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 16,
wherein: a. said object (16) is generally bounded by a right-angled
parallelepiped (29), said right-angled parallelepiped (29) having a
length (30), a height (21), a width (22), a bottom (31), first and
second long sides (32), first and second short sides (33), and a
top (34); b. said first circumference (17) of said object (16) is
equal to the sum of twice said height (21) and twice said width
(22); c. said second circumference (18) of said object (16) is
equal to the sum of twice said height (21) and twice said length
(30); and d. said first diameter (19) of said insulated container
and multipurpose mat (1) is greater than the sum of said width (22)
and twice said height (21) of said right-angled parallelepiped
(16), and less than the sum of twice said width (22) and twice said
height (21) of said right-angled parallelepiped (16).
18. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 17,
wherein: a. a first buckle (35) is joined to said flexible panel
(2) by said first strap length (6); b. a second buckle (35) is
joined to said flexible panel (2) by said second strap length (8);
c. a third buckle (35) is joined to said flexible panel (2) by said
third strap length (10); and d. a fourth buckle (35) is joined to
said flexible panel (2) by said fourth strap length (12).
19. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 18
wherein said flexible panel (2) is formed from three layers, a
first outer layer (36) the exterior of which is the first outer
surface (3) of the flexible panel (2), a second outer layer (37)
the exterior of which is the second outer surface (4) of the
flexible panel (2), and a first inner layer (38) between said first
and second outer layers (36 and 37).
20. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 19
wherein said first inner layer (38) is formed from an insulating
material substantially more temperature-insulating than said first
and second outer layers (36 and 37).
21. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 20
wherein said first inner layer (38) is formed from a compressible
insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press
the overlapping portions of said flexible panel (2) together.
22. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 21
wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and 37) of said
flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.
23. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 22
wherein said second outer surface (4) of said flexible panel (2) is
reflective.
24. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 23
wherein said first, second, third and fourth strap lengths (6, 8,
10 and 12) interface with and are attached to said first outer
surface (3) of said flexible panel (2).
25. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 24
wherein said third and fourth strap lengths (10 and 12) are joined
to each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There are many activities, such as trips to the beach,
outings to parks or other outdoor venues, attendance at or
participation in sporting events, and camping trips, that require
an individual to bring specialized equipment and comestibles to and
from remote locations. These same activities also often present
situations in which individuals may become wet and may involve
locations in which individuals would desire a mat or other item
upon which to rest.
[0002] Trips to the beach, for example, often involve the use and
transport of sunscreen, towels, picnic supplies, and assorted water
toys and floats. While at the beach, many individuals will get wet
by venturing into adjacent water for a swim or simply to cool off.
Some individuals enjoy sleeping or reclining while at the beach and
will bring a blanket or mat on which to relax without becoming
sandy. During a trip home from the beach, individuals are often
wet, sandy, or both and many who travel by automobile will sit on a
towel in an attempt to protect the underlying seat. As a result,
trips to the beach often require a bag to transport needed items
and a blanket on which to rest.
[0003] Outings to parks and other outdoor venues present equipment
requirements, as well. For example, many individuals will bring
reading material or picnic supplies to these locations. Some
individuals will choose to enjoy nature by sitting or napping under
shady trees or in a field. Still others will listen to a concert or
watch a play. These activities often lend themselves to resting
upon a blanket or mat spread out to protect individuals from
unwanted contact with dew or dirt commonly encountered in outdoor
settings.
[0004] Camping trips require similar preparation, and in addition
to all of the necessary equipment, food has to be transported to
the campsite. In particular, hot food and cold beverages would be
most conveniently transported in an insulated container that
maintains their temperature. It would be better if that insulated
container could double as a multipurpose mat after the comestibles
have been consumed.
[0005] Several devices exist to help meet the needs of individuals
who pursue these types of activities. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,556, for
example, discloses a multipurpose beach towel, tote bag, and chair
cover device. The '556 device is convertible between a beach towel,
a tote bag, a deck chair cover, and an automobile seat cover. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,641,199 discloses a combination backpack and chair
cover. The '199 device includes a collection of strategically
hinged panels and interlocks that allow the device to alternately
adopt an open, seat-covering orientation and a closed,
backpack-forming orientation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,094 discloses an
expandable terry cloth sand or lawn chair cover having integrated
pockets. The '094 device will cover several types of chairs and
includes pockets to hold small items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat that has four strap lengths in a
cruciform arrangement with which to efficiently and simply bundle
an object.
[0007] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat that fully encloses contained
object, folding first one way and then at ninety degrees to the
first fold.
[0008] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat that has four straight sides with
strap lengths midway along each side for secure closure. The strap
lengths are preferably attached to the outer surface and two are
joined to each other to create a long strap that can be used as a
carrying handle.
[0009] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat is particularly well suited to
enclosing a three-dimensional rectangle, the most common shape of
packaged goods.
[0010] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat is securely closed with two pairs of
releasable buckles for convenient securing and releasing.
[0011] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat is formed from two outer impermeable
layers and an inner insulating core for efficient insulation and
water blocking. The inner insulating core is formed from a
compressible material that presses the folds of the transformable
insulated container and multipurpose mat together to create a tight
seal without additional fastening.
[0012] The present invention provides a transformable insulated
container and multipurpose mat with an outer surface that is
reflective, to retain heat or to reflect light and heat away,
acting as an efficient sun shield or signaling device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outer surface of the
insulated container and multipurpose mat of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inner, reflective
surface of the insulated container and multipurpose mat of the
present invention, with a representative object superimposed.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the insulated container and
multipurpose mat of the present invention, with a representative
object superimposed, showing the first and second edge portions of
the insulated container and multipurpose mat being turned up.
[0016] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the insulated container and
multipurpose mat of the present invention, with a representative
object superimposed, showing the first and second strap lengths
releasably connected over the top of the object.
[0017] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the insulated container and
multipurpose mat of the present invention, with a representative
object superimposed, showing the third and fourth edge portions of
the insulated container and multipurpose mat being turned up.
[0018] FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the insulated container and
multipurpose mat of the present invention, with a representative
object superimposed, showing the third and fourth edge portions
overlapping and the third and fourth strap lengths releasably
connected over the top of the object.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a long side elevation view of the object of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a short side elevation view of the object of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the
insulated container and multipurpose mat and an object.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated container
and multipurpose mat of the present invention taken along line 4-4
in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention and the
invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the
drawings and described in the specification.
[0024] As best seen in FIGS. 2A-2E, the present invention is a
transforming insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. As best
seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the main part of the insulated container and
multipurpose mat 1 is a flexible panel 2. The flexible panel 2 has
a first outer surface 3, a second outer surface 4, and an edge 5
joining the first and second outer surfaces 3 and 4. A first strap
length 6 is attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of
the first strap length 6 is adjacent a first portion 7 of the edge
5. A second strap length 8 attached to the flexible panel 2 such
that a portion of the second strap length 8 is adjacent a second
portion 9 of the edge 5. A third strap length 10 attached to the
flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the third strap length 10
is adjacent a third portion 11 of the edge 5. A fourth strap length
12 attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the
fourth strap length 12 is adjacent a fourth portion 13 of the edge
5.
[0025] The first strap length 6 is substantially diametrically
opposed to the second strap length 8 across the flexible panel 2 on
a first diametrical axis 14, and the third strap length 10 is
substantially diametrically opposed to the fourth strap 12 length
across the flexible panel 2 on a second diametrical axis 15. The
first diametrical axis 14 is orthogonal to the second diametrical
axis 15.
[0026] Preferably, the present invention is a combination 23 of the
insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 and an object 16.
[0027] The object 16 preferably has a first circumference 17 and a
second circumference 18 orthogonal to the first circumference 17, a
maximum height 21 and a maximum width 22. The first diametrical
axis 14 is preferably parallel and proximate a first diameter 19 of
the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. Preferably, the
second diametrical axis 15 is parallel and proximate a second
diameter 20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. The
object 16 is shown as a six-pack of 12-ounce cans 16. For
references, standard 12-ounce cans are 4.5 inches tall, 2.375
inches in diameter and 8 inches in circumference. The maximum
height 21 of a standard six-pack 16 is 4.5 inches and the maximum
width 22 is approximately 7.125 inches.
[0028] The first diameter 19 and the second diameter 20 of the
object 16 preferably are mutually orthogonal. Preferably, the first
circumference 17 is longer than the first diameter 19 of the object
16, and the second circumference 18 is shorter than the second
diameter 20 of the object 16. The first diameter 19 is preferably
aligned with the first circumference 17.
[0029] The first and second edge portions 7 and 9 of the edge 5 at
opposite ends of the first diameter 19 preferably are turned up so
that the flexible panel 2 extends more than halfway up the maximum
height 21 of the object 16 until the first and second edge portions
7 and 9 are separated by less than the maximum width 22 of the
object 16. Preferably, the first strap length 6 is releasably
connected to the second strap length 8.
[0030] The second diameter 20 is preferably aligned with the second
circumference 18. Preferably, the third and fourth portions 11 and
13 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the second diameter 20 are
turned up so that a third area 26 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent
the third portion 11 of the edge 5 is over a fourth area 27 of the
flexible panel 2 adjacent the fourth portion 13 of the edge 5. The
third strap length 10 preferably is releasably connected to the
fourth strap length 12.
[0031] Preferably, a first area 24 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent
the first portion 7 of the edge 5 is under the third and fourth
areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2. A second area 25 of the
flexible panel 2 adjacent the second portion 9 of the edge 5
preferably is under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the
flexible panel 2. Preferably, a portion of the flexible panel 2 is
between the object 16 and any portion of the edge 5 not in contact
with the object 16. A portion of the flexible panel 2 preferably
covers any portion of the edge 5 that is in contact with the object
16. The object 16 is thereby completely enclosed by the flexible
panel 2.
[0032] Preferably, the edge 5 has four straight sides 28, each
corresponding to one of the first, second, third and fourth
portions 7, 9, 11 and 13 of the edge 5. The flexible panel 2 is
preferably generally rectangular, with rounded corners, measuring
approximately 21.75 inches from the first portion 7 to the second
portion 9 and 25.25 inches from the third portion 11 to the fourth
portion 13. Preferably, the first diameter 19 bisects the second
diameter 20 and the second diameter 20 bisects the first diameter
19.
[0033] The object 16 is preferably generally bounded by a
right-angled parallelepiped 29 or three-dimensional rectangle.
Preferably, the right-angled parallelepiped 29 has a length 30, a
height 21, a width 22, a bottom 31, first and second long sides 32,
first and second short sides 33, and a top 34. The first
circumference 17 of the object 16 preferably is equal to the sum of
twice the height 21 and twice the width 22. Preferably, the second
circumference 18 of the object 16 is equal to the sum of twice the
height 21 and twice the length 30. The first diameter 19 of the
insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 preferably is greater
than the sum of the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the
right-angled parallelepiped 16, and less than the sum of twice the
width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled parallelepiped
16. The flexible panel 2 wraps under the object 16 but does not
meet, much less overlap.
[0034] Preferably, a first buckle 35 is joined to the flexible
panel 2 by the first strap length 6, a second buckle 35 is joined
to the flexible panel 2 by the second strap length 8, a third
buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the third strap
length 10, and a fourth buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2
by the fourth strap length 12. The first, second, third and fourth
buckles 35 preferably are first, second, third and fourth plastic
slide release buckles 35.
[0035] Preferably, the flexible panel 2 is formed from three
layers, a first outer layer 36 the exterior of which is the first
outer surface 3 of the flexible panel 2, a second outer layer 37
the exterior of which is the second outer surface 4 of the flexible
panel 2, and a first inner layer 38 between the first and second
outer layers 36 and 37.
[0036] Preferably, the first inner layer 38 is formed from an
insulating material substantially more temperature insulating than
the first and second outer layers 36 and 37. The first inner layer
38 is preferably formed from polyethylene foam. Preferably, the
first inner layer 38 is formed from a compressible insulating
material that, after being compressed, expands to press the
overlapping portions of the flexible panel 2 together. This helps
to form a relatively tight seal and improves the overall insulation
of the flexible panel 2.
[0037] The first and second outer layers 36 and 37 of the flexible
panel 2 preferably are substantially impermeable to water and other
liquids. Most preferably, the first and second outer layers 36 and
37 are formed from thin layers of plastic film, aluminum, fabric
and a second layer of plastic film.
[0038] The second outer surface 4 of the flexible panel 2 is
preferably reflective, reflecting both heat and light. This
improves heat retention and makes the flexible panel 2 useable as a
sun shield, signaling device, and the like.
[0039] Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap
lengths 6, 8, 10 and 12 interface with and are attached to the
first outer surface 3 of the flexible panel 2. The third and fourth
strap lengths 10 and 12 preferably are joined to each other as one
continuous strap. The first, second and third strap lengths 6, 8
and 10 are all preferably attached near the edge 5 of the flexible
panel 2. The fourth strap length 12 is preferably attached
approximately 18 inches from the fourth portion 13 of the edge 5.
Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap lengths 6, 8,
10 and 12 are formed from polymer webbing.
[0040] The insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 is preferably
adapted for containing an object 16 having a first circumference 17
and a second circumference 18 orthogonal to the first circumference
17, a maximum height 21 and a maximum width 22. Preferably, the
first diametrical axis 14 is parallel and proximate a first
diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. The
second diametrical axis 15 is preferably parallel and proximate a
second diameter 20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat
1.
[0041] Preferably, the first diameter 19 and the second diameter 20
are mutually orthogonal. The first diameter 19 is preferably
adapted to be shorter than the first circumference 17. Preferably,
the second diameter 20 is adapted to be longer than the second
circumference 18. The first diameter 19 is preferably adapted to be
aligned with the first circumference 17. Preferably, the first and
second portions 7 and 9 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the first
diameter 19 are adapted to be turned up so that the flexible panel
2 can extend more than halfway up the maximum height 21 of the
object 16 until the first and second edge portions 7 and 9 can be
separated by less than the maximum width 22 of the object 16. The
first strap length 6 preferably can be releasably connected to the
second strap length 8.
[0042] Preferably, the second diameter 20 is adapted to be aligned
with the second circumference 18. The third and fourth portions 11
and 13 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the second diameter 20
preferably are adapted to be turned up so that a third area 26 of
the flexible panel 2 adjacent the third portion 11 of the edge 5
can be over a fourth area 27 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the
fourth portion 13 of the edge 5. Preferably, the third strap length
10 can be releasably connected to the fourth strap length 12. A
first area 24 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the first portion 7
of the edge 5 preferably can be under the third and fourth areas 26
and 27 of the flexible panel 2. Preferably, a second area 25 of the
flexible panel 2 adjacent the second portion 9 of the edge 5 can be
under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2.
A portion of the flexible panel 2 preferably can be between the
object 16 and any portion of the edge 5 not in contact with the
object 16. Preferably, a portion of the flexible panel 2 can cover
any portion of the edge 5 that is in contact with the object
16.
[0043] The edge 5 preferably has four straight sides 28, each
corresponding to one of the first, second, third and fourth
portions 7, 9, 11 and 13 of the edge 5. Preferably, the first
diameter 19 bisects the second diameter 20, and the second diameter
20 preferably bisects the first diameter 19.
[0044] The object 16 is preferably generally bounded by a
right-angled parallelepiped 29, the right-angled parallelepiped 29
having a length 30, a height 21, a width 22, a bottom 31, first and
second long sides 32, first and second short sides 33, and a top
34. Preferably, the first circumference 17 of the object 16 is
equal to the sum of twice the height 21 and twice the width 22. The
second circumference 18 of the object 16 is preferably equal to the
sum of twice the height 21 and twice the length 30. Preferably, the
first diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1
is greater than the sum of the width 22 and twice the height 21 of
the right-angled parallelepiped 16, and less than the sum of twice
the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled
parallelepiped 16.
[0045] Preferably, a first buckle 35 is joined to the flexible
panel 2 by the first strap length 6, a second buckle 35 is joined
to the flexible panel 2 by the second strap length 8, a third
buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the third strap
length 10, and a fourth buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2
by the fourth strap length 12.
[0046] The flexible panel 2 is preferably formed from three layers,
a first outer layer 36 the exterior of which is the first outer
surface 3 of the flexible panel 2, a second outer layer 37 the
exterior of which is the second outer surface 4 of the flexible
panel 2, and a first inner layer 38 between the first and second
outer layers 36 and 37. Preferably, the first inner layer 38 is
formed from an insulating material substantially more temperature
insulating than the first and second outer layers 36 and 37. The
first inner layer 38 is preferably formed from a compressible
insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press
the overlapping portions of the flexible panel 2 together.
Preferably, the first and second outer layers 36 and 37 of the
flexible panel 2 are substantially impermeable. The second outer
surface 4 of the flexible panel 2 is preferably reflective.
[0047] Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap
lengths 6, 8, 10 and 12 interface with and are attached to the
first outer surface 3 of the flexible panel 2. The third and fourth
strap lengths 10 and 12 preferably are joined to each other.
[0048] Although the invention has been described in terms of a
specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled
in this art that various modifications, rearrangements and
substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims
appended hereto.
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