Multi-purpose mat and storage bag

Abstract

Some embodiments of the invention involve a multi-purpose mat that may be converted into a secure storage bag for toys and other items. The mat may include a top layer, a bottom layer, and an interior region. The top and bottom layers may be sewn together and may be comprised of a flexible, durable, and water-resistant material. The interior region may contain one or more structural members to help convert the bag into a multi-purpose mat. The outer surface of the mat may include indicia thereon for providing a stimulating and interactive multi-purpose surface. The mat may have a raised outer edge to serve as a barrier. The interior region may include padded material for comfort. The multi-purpose mat may be converted into a storage bag through use of a closure means such as zippers or drawstrings. The mat may include carrying means such as handles or straps.

1 . A multi-purpose mat and storage bag comprising: 
 a body portion, the body portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer comprised of a flexible material and enclosing an interior region;    means for providing structural support located within the interior region; and    means for closing the body portion located substantially around the perimeter of the body portion.    
   
   
       2 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the means for providing structural support is a hub and two or more spokes coupled to the hub.  
   
   
       3 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the means for providing structural support is a hub and two or more spokes surrounding the hub.  
   
   
       4 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the hub and two or more spokes are comprised of a flexible material.  
   
   
       5 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the hub is separated from the two or more spokes by stitching.  
   
   
       6 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 5 , wherein the hub and each of the two or more spokes are separately surrounded by stitching.  
   
   
       7 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the hub and the two or more spokes are comprised of a resilient material that does not deform under stress or strain.  
   
   
       8 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the two or more spokes are arranged to surround the hub in a cross pattern.  
   
   
       9 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1  further including indicia located on the top layer.  
   
   
       10 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1  further comprising one or more handles coupled to the body portion.  
   
   
       11 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the means for closing the body portion is a drawstring having a securing member coupled thereto.  
   
   
       12 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 11 , wherein the securing member is selected from the group of securing members including clips, rings, and hooks.  
   
   
       13 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1  further comprising a polymer coating on the top layer for providing a readily markable and erasable surface.  
   
   
       14 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 1  further comprising a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer.  
   
   
       15 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein the padding layer includes an air pocket having a valve for inflation and deflation.  
   
   
       16 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein the padding layer is comprised of compressible foam material having a valve thereon, wherein when air is let into the foam the material expands and when air is compressed out of the foam the material contracts.  
   
   
       17 . A multi-purpose mat and storage bag comprising: 
 a body portion, the body portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer comprised of a flexible material and enclosing an interior region;    a support structure located within the interior region, the support structure comprising a hub and two or more spokes surrounding the hub and extending outward from the hub, wherein the hub and each of the two or more spokes are separately surrounded by stitching;    a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer; and    means for closing the body portion located substantially around the perimeter of the body portion.    
   
   
       18 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 17 , wherein the hub and two or more spokes are comprised of a flexible material, and wherein the padding layer is comprised of compressible foam material.  
   
   
       19 . A multipurpose mat and storage bag comprising: 
 a body portion, the body portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer comprised of a flexible material and enclosing an interior region;    a support structure located within the interior region, the support structure comprising a hub and a plurality of spokes surrounding the hub and extending outward from the hub, wherein the hub and the plurality of spokes are comprised of a flexible material;    a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer; and    means for closing the body portion located substantially around the perimeter of the body portion.    
   
   
       20 . The multi-purpose mat and storage bag of  claim 19 , wherein the padding layer includes an air pocket having a valve coupled thereto for inflation and deflation of the air pocket.