US20140023295A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20140023295A1
Application number: US13/730,701
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin Wagner
Original assignee: Poler LLC
Current assignee: Poler LLC
Priority date: 2012-07-19
Filing date: 2012-12-28
Publication date: 2014-01-23

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outer surface of the insulated container and multipurpose mat of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 3A is a long side elevation view of the object of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a short side elevation view of the object of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the insulated container and multipurpose mat and an object.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated container and multipurpose mat of the present invention taken along line4-4 inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

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.

As best seen inFIGS. 2A-2E, the present invention is a transforming insulated container and multipurpose mat1. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 4, the main part of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1 is aflexible panel2. Theflexible panel2 has a firstouter surface3, a secondouter surface4, and anedge5 joining the first and second

outer surfaces

3 and4. Afirst strap length6 is attached to theflexible panel2 such that a portion of thefirst strap length6 is adjacent afirst portion7 of theedge5. A second strap length8 attached to theflexible panel2 such that a portion of the second strap length8 is adjacent a second portion9 of theedge5. Athird strap length10 attached to theflexible panel2 such that a portion of thethird strap length10 is adjacent athird portion11 of theedge5. Afourth strap length12 attached to theflexible panel2 such that a portion of thefourth strap length12 is adjacent afourth portion13 of theedge5.

Thefirst strap length6 is substantially diametrically opposed to the second strap length8 across theflexible panel2 on a firstdiametrical axis14, and thethird strap length10 is substantially diametrically opposed to thefourth strap12 length across theflexible panel2 on a seconddiametrical axis15. The firstdiametrical axis14 is orthogonal to the seconddiametrical axis15.

Preferably, the present invention is acombination23 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1 and anobject16.

Theobject16 preferably has afirst circumference17 and asecond circumference18 orthogonal to thefirst circumference17, amaximum height21 and amaximum width22. The firstdiametrical axis14 is preferably parallel and proximate a first diameter19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1. Preferably, the seconddiametrical axis15 is parallel and proximate a second diameter20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1. Theobject16 is shown as a six-pack of 12-ounce cans16. For references, standard 12-ounce cans are 4.5 inches tall, 2.375 inches in diameter and 8 inches in circumference. Themaximum height21 of a standard six-pack16 is 4.5 inches and themaximum width22 is approximately 7.125 inches.

The first diameter19 and the second diameter20 of theobject16 preferably are mutually orthogonal. Preferably, thefirst circumference17 is longer than the first diameter19 of theobject16, and thesecond circumference18 is shorter than the second diameter20 of theobject16. The first diameter19 is preferably aligned with thefirst circumference17.

The first andsecond edge portions7 and9 of theedge5 at opposite ends of the first diameter19 preferably are turned up so that theflexible panel2 extends more than halfway up themaximum height21 of theobject16 until the first andsecond edge portions7 and9 are separated by less than themaximum width22 of theobject16. Preferably, thefirst strap length6 is releasably connected to the second strap length8.

The second diameter20 is preferably aligned with thesecond circumference18. Preferably, the third and

fourth portions

11 and13 of theedge5 at opposite ends of the second diameter20 are turned up so that athird area26 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thethird portion11 of theedge5 is over afourth area27 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thefourth portion13 of theedge5. Thethird strap length10 preferably is releasably connected to thefourth strap length12.

Preferably, afirst area24 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thefirst portion7 of theedge5 is under the third and

fourth areas

26 and27 of theflexible panel2. Asecond area25 of theflexible panel2 adjacent the second portion9 of theedge5 preferably is under the third and

fourth areas

26 and27 of theflexible panel2. Preferably, a portion of theflexible panel2 is between theobject16 and any portion of theedge5 not in contact with theobject16. A portion of theflexible panel2 preferably covers any portion of theedge5 that is in contact with theobject16. Theobject16 is thereby completely enclosed by theflexible panel2.

Preferably, theedge5 has fourstraight sides28, each corresponding to one of the first, second, third and

fourth portions

7,9,11 and13 of theedge5. Theflexible panel2 is preferably generally rectangular, with rounded corners, measuring approximately 21.75 inches from thefirst portion7 to the second portion9 and 25.25 inches from thethird portion11 to thefourth portion13. Preferably, the first diameter19 bisects the second diameter20 and the second diameter20 bisects the first diameter19.

Theobject16 is preferably generally bounded by a right-angled parallelepiped29 or three-dimensional rectangle. Preferably, the right-angled parallelepiped29 has alength30, aheight21, awidth22, a bottom31, first and secondlong sides32, first and secondshort sides33, and a top34. Thefirst circumference17 of theobject16 preferably is equal to the sum of twice theheight21 and twice thewidth22. Preferably, thesecond circumference18 of theobject16 is equal to the sum of twice theheight21 and twice thelength30. The first diameter19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1 preferably is greater than the sum of thewidth22 and twice theheight21 of the right-angled parallelepiped16, and less than the sum of twice thewidth22 and twice theheight21 of the right-angled parallelepiped16. Theflexible panel2 wraps under theobject16 but does not meet, much less overlap.

Preferably, afirst buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thefirst strap length6, asecond buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by the second strap length8, athird buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thethird strap length10, and afourth buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thefourth strap length12. The first, second, third andfourth buckles35 preferably are first, second, third and fourth plastic slide release buckles35.

Preferably, theflexible panel2 is formed from three layers, a firstouter layer36 the exterior of which is the firstouter surface3 of theflexible panel2, a secondouter layer37 the exterior of which is the secondouter surface4 of theflexible panel2, and a firstinner layer38 between the first and second

outer layers

36 and37.

Preferably, the firstinner layer38 is formed from an insulating material substantially more temperature insulating than the first and second

outer layers

36 and37. The firstinner layer38 is preferably formed from polyethylene foam. Preferably, the firstinner layer38 is formed from a compressible insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press the overlapping portions of theflexible panel2 together. This helps to form a relatively tight seal and improves the overall insulation of theflexible panel2.

The first and second

outer layers

36 and37 of theflexible panel2 preferably are substantially impermeable to water and other liquids. Most preferably, the first and second

outer layers

36 and37 are formed from thin layers of plastic film, aluminum, fabric and a second layer of plastic film.

The secondouter surface4 of theflexible panel2 is preferably reflective, reflecting both heat and light. This improves heat retention and makes theflexible panel2 useable as a sun shield, signaling device, and the like.

Preferably, the first, second, third and

fourth strap lengths

6,8,10 and12 interface with and are attached to the firstouter surface3 of theflexible panel2. The third and

fourth strap lengths

10 and12 preferably are joined to each other as one continuous strap. The first, second and

third strap lengths

6,8 and10 are all preferably attached near theedge5 of theflexible panel2. Thefourth strap length12 is preferably attached approximately 18 inches from thefourth portion13 of theedge5. Preferably, the first, second, third and

fourth strap lengths

6,8,10 and12 are formed from polymer webbing.

The insulated container and multipurpose mat1 is preferably adapted for containing anobject16 having afirst circumference17 and asecond circumference18 orthogonal to thefirst circumference17, amaximum height21 and amaximum width22. Preferably, the firstdiametrical axis14 is parallel and proximate a first diameter19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1. The seconddiametrical axis15 is preferably parallel and proximate a second diameter20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1.

Preferably, the first diameter19 and the second diameter20 are mutually orthogonal. The first diameter19 is preferably adapted to be shorter than thefirst circumference17. Preferably, the second diameter20 is adapted to be longer than thesecond circumference18. The first diameter19 is preferably adapted to be aligned with thefirst circumference17. Preferably, the first andsecond portions7 and9 of theedge5 at opposite ends of the first diameter19 are adapted to be turned up so that theflexible panel2 can extend more than halfway up themaximum height21 of theobject16 until the first andsecond edge portions7 and9 can be separated by less than themaximum width22 of theobject16. Thefirst strap length6 preferably can be releasably connected to the second strap length8.

Preferably, the second diameter20 is adapted to be aligned with thesecond circumference18. The third and

fourth portions

11 and13 of theedge5 at opposite ends of the second diameter20 preferably are adapted to be turned up so that athird area26 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thethird portion11 of theedge5 can be over afourth area27 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thefourth portion13 of theedge5. Preferably, thethird strap length10 can be releasably connected to thefourth strap length12. Afirst area24 of theflexible panel2 adjacent thefirst portion7 of theedge5 preferably can be under the third and

fourth areas

26 and27 of theflexible panel2. Preferably, asecond area25 of theflexible panel2 adjacent the second portion9 of theedge5 can be under the third and

fourth areas

26 and27 of theflexible panel2. A portion of theflexible panel2 preferably can be between theobject16 and any portion of theedge5 not in contact with theobject16. Preferably, a portion of theflexible panel2 can cover any portion of theedge5 that is in contact with theobject16.

Theedge5 preferably has fourstraight sides28, each corresponding to one of the first, second, third and

fourth portions

7,9,11 and13 of theedge5. Preferably, the first diameter19 bisects the second diameter20, and the second diameter20 preferably bisects the first diameter19.

Theobject16 is preferably generally bounded by a right-angled parallelepiped29, the right-angled parallelepiped29 having alength30, aheight21, awidth22, a bottom31, first and secondlong sides32, first and secondshort sides33, and a top34. Preferably, thefirst circumference17 of theobject16 is equal to the sum of twice theheight21 and twice thewidth22. Thesecond circumference18 of theobject16 is preferably equal to the sum of twice theheight21 and twice thelength30. Preferably, the first diameter19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat1 is greater than the sum of thewidth22 and twice theheight21 of the right-angled parallelepiped16, and less than the sum of twice thewidth22 and twice theheight21 of the right-angled parallelepiped16.

Preferably, afirst buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thefirst strap length6, asecond buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by the second strap length8, athird buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thethird strap length10, and afourth buckle35 is joined to theflexible panel2 by thefourth strap length12.

Theflexible panel2 is preferably formed from three layers, a firstouter layer36 the exterior of which is the firstouter surface3 of theflexible panel2, a secondouter layer37 the exterior of which is the secondouter surface4 of theflexible panel2, and a firstinner layer38 between the first and second

outer layers

36 and37. Preferably, the firstinner layer38 is formed from an insulating material substantially more temperature insulating than the first and second

outer layers

36 and37. The firstinner layer38 is preferably formed from a compressible insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press the overlapping portions of theflexible panel2 together. Preferably, the first and second

outer layers

36 and37 of theflexible panel2 are substantially impermeable. The secondouter surface4 of theflexible panel2 is preferably reflective.

Preferably, the first, second, third and

fourth strap lengths

10 and12 preferably are joined to each other.

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.

Claims

I claim:

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 and4);

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) ofclaim 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 and9) 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 and9) 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 and13) 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 and27) 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 and27) 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) ofclaim 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 and13) of said edge (5).

4. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 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 and37).

8. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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 and37).

9. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 9 wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and37) of said flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.

11. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 10 wherein said second outer surface (4) of said flexible panel (2) is reflective.

12. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 11 wherein said first, second, third and fourth strap lengths (6,8,10 and12) interface with and are attached to said first outer surface (3) of said flexible panel (2).

13. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 12 wherein said third and fourth strap lengths (10 and12) are joined to each other.

14. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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:

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 and9) 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 and9) 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 and13) 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 and27) 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 and27) 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) ofclaim 14, wherein:

16. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 16, wherein:

18. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 17, wherein:

19. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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 and37).

20. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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 and37).

21. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 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) ofclaim 21 wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and37) of said flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.

23. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 22 wherein said second outer surface (4) of said flexible panel (2) is reflective.

24. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 23 wherein said first, second, third and fourth strap lengths (6,8,10 and12) interface with and are attached to said first outer surface (3) of said flexible panel (2).

25. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) ofclaim 24 wherein said third and fourth strap lengths (10 and12) are joined to each other.