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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.