Carry container that converts into a protective mat

Abstract

A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and open position (protective mat).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A carry container that is convertible into a protective mat, and said carry container comprising:
 an outer shell including an integrally formed bottom panel and an integrally formed plurality of side panels extending from the bottom panel and terminating at an apex;   an inner lining formed by a generally square sheet attached to an inner facing side of said outer shell so that each corner of said inner lining aligns with the apex of a correspondingly positioned one of said plurality of side panels, said inner lining forming a web between each of said plurality of side panels, and said inner lining defining the protective mat when said outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface; and   at least one fastener on each of said plurality of side panels structured and disposed for releasably securing each of said plurality of side panels to each neighboring side panel so that said outer shell is converted into a closed position, and the bottom panel and plurality of side panels defining an interior cavity for enclosing an item in said outer shell.   
     
     
         2 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a handle. 
     
     
         3 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 2  wherein said handle comprises a first handle member on one of said plurality of side panels and a second handle member on another of said plurality of side panels, and said first and second handle members being sized and configured to be adjacently positioned when said outer shell is in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said at least one fastener is a zipper fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said at least one fastener is a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         6 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said at least one fastener is a magnetic fastener. 
     
     
         7 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said at least one fastener is a clip fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said outer shell is made from a heat resistant material. 
     
     
         9 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said outer shell is made from neoprene fabric. 
     
     
         10 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said inner lining is made from neoprene fabric. 
     
     
         11 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said inner lining is made from nylon fabric. 
     
     
         12 . The carry container that is convertible into a protective mat as recited in  claim 1  wherein said outer shell, inner lining and at least one fastener are machine washable.