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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention relate to the field of mats. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention involve a flexible mat that may be converted into a secure storage bag for toys and other items.

Toddlers and infants enjoy playing on the floor with various toys. During such activity, it is common for infants to spread the various toys in different locations about the floor. When it comes time to clean up the toys, a parent generally has to gather up all of the toys, one by one, and place them in a storage container or toy box. If numerous toys are present on the floor, this process may be time consuming. Additionally, if the toy box contains many other toys that the child has not recently used, the toy box may be heavy and difficult for one person to transport. Further, if during the clean-up process the toy box or storage container is not located in the same room as the child, the parent must carry all of the toys to a different room for storage, which may involve multiple trips back and forth if many toys are present. This inconvenience may also be burdensome and time consuming.

When children are playing at locations other than the home, such as the beach or at the park, parents are faced with similar issues of having to pick up toys spread about by their children. To alleviate this problem, some parents spread out a blanket or towel for their children to play on. When it is time to clean up, the parents may wrap the toys up in the towel or blanket and carry it to the car. While this helps to solve the problem, the towel or blanket is not able to fully and securely close for transport and storage, leaving open the possibility that toys may fall out and be lost during storage or transport.

Previous inventions have attempted to eliminate the above problems by providing a play mat that may be readily converted into a storage bag. In particular, these inventions have utilized some form of cloth material having drawstrings or zippers along the perimeter thereof. While these inventions have been helpful, they have fallen short of the mark in several respects. For example, the prior inventions have closure means that may not be quickly and effectively operated to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Also, prior inventions require the user to spend considerable time and effort to convert the device from a storage bag back into a play mat, as none of the inventions have utilized structural members to help perform that function. Furthermore, some prior inventions have not provided a comfortable padded mat for a child to play on. Additionally, some prior inventions have involved play mats converted into storage bags that are cumbersome to transport from location to location and do not contain structural elements that may help protect against wear of the mat and storage bag. Still further, the structural limitations of other inventions have prevented them from being utilized for purposes other than play mats.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a flexible, durable, and washable multi-purpose mat that may be used for a variety of purposes, including as a play mat, that may quickly and efficiently be converted into a readily portable and secure storage bag for toys and other items.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of the present invention involves 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 are preferably sewn together and may be comprised of a flexible, durable, and water-resistant material such as nylon. The outer surface of the mat may include designs thereon for providing a stimulating and interactive multi-purpose surface. The interior region may include padded material, compressible foam, or an inflatable/deflatable pouch to provide a comfortable multi-purpose mat. The multi-purpose mat may be converted into a storage bag through use of a closure means such as zippers, drawstrings, clips, grommets, or Velcro®. The mat may include carrying means such as handles or straps.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention may 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 such as nylon. 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 designs thereon for providing a stimulating and interactive multi-purpose surface. The interior region may include padded material, compressible foam, or an inflatable/deflatable pouch to provide a comfortable multi-purpose mat. The multi-purpose mat may be converted into a storage bag through use of a closure means such as zippers, drawstrings, clips, grommets, or Velcro®. The mat may include carrying means such as handles or straps.

Another alternate embodiment of the present invention involves 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 such as nylon. 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 designs thereon for providing a stimulating and interactive multi-purpose surface. The mat may have a raised outer edge to serve as a barrier to help prevent toddlers from leaving the mat boundaries. The interior region may include padded material, compressible foam, or an inflatable/deflatable pouch to provide a comfortable multi-purpose mat. The multi-purpose mat may be converted into a storage bag through use of a closure means such as zippers, drawstrings, clips, grommets, or Velcro®. The mat may include carrying means such as handles or straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial cross-section view of another embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial cross-section view of another embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having padding in the interior region, in the multi-purpose mat orientation.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a child and toy positioned on an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation, having a raised border.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation, illustrating positioning of structural members in the interior region.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having one zipper closed, partially in the multi-purpose mat orientation and partially within the storage bag orientation.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the storage bag orientation, with all zippers closed, and having a handle strap attached thereto.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having one zipper closed and a toy positioned thereon, partially in the multi-purpose mat orientation and partially within the storage bag orientation.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having all zippers closed and a toy positioned therein, in the storage bag orientation.

FIG. 9C depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having all zippers closed and a toy positioned therein, in the storage bag orientation and being carried by a user.

FIG. 10 depicts a partial view of the zipper portion of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag.

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation, having drawstrings to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag and a clip to secure the drawstrings.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the storage bag orientation, having drawstrings to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag and a clip to secure the drawstrings, with the drawstrings drawn and secured by the clip.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag in the multi-purpose mat orientation, having a zipper attached to the outer perimeter thereof to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag having a zipper attached to the outer perimeter thereof to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag, zipped up into the storage bag orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may include a top layer 20, a bottom layer 30, and an interior region 40. Top layer 20 and bottom layer 30 may be comprised of a flexible, durable, machine-washable, and substantially water resistant material, such as nylon. However, top layer 20 and bottom layer 30 may also be comprised of other materials that are not water resistant, such as cotton, polyester, or terry cloth. Top layer 20 and bottom layer 30 may be sewn together, but may also be joined in other ways as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may embody various shapes. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may be shaped like a square, but may also be shaped to resemble a circle, rectangle, octagon, hexagon, star, or other shape that may be appealing to a child. In one implementation, multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may be 5′ by 5′ in dimension. In other implementations multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may be larger or smaller in size. As an example, multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may range from about 3′ by 3′ to about 7′ by 7′.

Top layer 20 may include indicia 22 located on the outer surface thereof. Indicia 22 may include various objects, scenes, numbers, letters, shapes, patterns, colors, or other symbols that may stimulate the interest of a toddler, infant, or young child. For example, indicia 22 may comprise a town setting with roads, houses, buildings, cars, people, trees, and animals, or a beach setting with the ocean, sea shells, sand castles, surf boards, fish, and other beach related objects, or it may simply be a colorful or stimulating pattern. Indicia 22 may be printed on top layer 20, however indicia 22 may also be removably attached to top layer 20 by material such as Velcro®. In one embodiment, top layer 20 may contain a polymer coating on its outer surface for providing a readily markable and erasable surface. Such coating may allow for a parent to easily wipe or clean top layer 20 with a cloth if a child draws or colors different indicia 22 thereon.

Interior region 40 may be bounded by top layer 20 and bottom layer 30. In one embodiment, interior region 40 may include a support structure located therein. As an example, the support structure can be a hub 42 and at least one spoke 44, arranged about hub 42. In another embodiment, support structure may comprise a hub 42 and two or more spokes 44 arranged about hub 42. The structural support may serve to provide structural support and shape definition to multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10, as well as to help the unfolding of storage bag 10 when it is being converted from a storage bag to a multi-purpose mat. One embodiment of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may involve the attachment of hub 42 to each of spokes 44. Another embodiment may involve the separation of hub 42 from each of spokes 44. In such an embodiment, hub 42 and spokes 44 may be surrounded by padded material. In another embodiment, hub 42 and spokes 44 may be separated by stitching. In one embodiment, hub 42 and spokes 44 are fixed into place by stitching separately surrounding each of hub 42 and spokes 44. For example, stitching surrounding hub 42 keeps hub 42 in place, while stitching around each of spokes 44 keeps each of spokes 44 in place within interior region 40. Hub 42 and spokes 44 may be comprised of a flexible, lightweight, and durable material, such as plastic. In one embodiment, hub 42 may be circular in shape and may contain four surrounding spokes 44 arranged in a cross pattern. However, in various embodiments, multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may include more than one hub 42, or no hub 42, and more or less spokes 44 arranged in various layouts to provide different structural and/or functional characteristics.

Hub 42 and spokes 44 may also serve to help multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 easily spread flat on a surface for use. For example, when a user unzips or unclips the corner regions of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 when it is in the storage bag configuration, the tension placed upon hub 42 and/or spokes 44 may be released, causing storage bag 10 to unfold into the multi-purpose mat configuration. In such an embodiment, hub 42 and spokes 44 may be comprised of a resilient material that does not readily deform under stress or strain. For example, the positioning of spokes 44 may allow for the natural folding of certain parts of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 to help facilitate the conversion from a multi-purpose mat into a storage bag and to help shift the enclosed toys into an optimal position for transport (see FIGS. 6-8).

Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 also may contain at least one zipper 50, with a corresponding tab 52, attached to the perimeter of the bottom surface of bottom layer 30. In one implementation, multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may be square in shape and may include four zippers 50, one located on each side. If a user desires to convert the multi-purpose mat 10 into a storage bag, the user may fold two corners inward toward the center of the multi-purpose mat, thus exposing two zippers 50 that meet along a parallel axis, and zip the two zippers 50 together using tab 52, forming a closed corner (see FIG. 7). This process may be repeated until all of the zippers 50 have been zipped (see FIGS. 8-9). The multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may also include a clip 54, such that, when all of zippers 50 have been zipped and are located within close proximity in the center of the multi-purpose mat, zippers 50 may be secured to clip 54 to help prevent any of zippers 50 from coming undone during transport or storage of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10.

Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may include: one or more carrying handles 60 attached to bottom layer 30 to help a user transport it from location to location. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may also contain two carrying handles 60 located at opposing corners of bottom layer 30. However, carrying handles 60 may be attached anywhere along bottom layer 30 and may alternatively be attached to top layer 20. As an example, carrying handles 60 may be comprised of a strong, durable, and flexible material, such as nylon. In other embodiments, carrying handles 60 may be comprised of materials having similar characteristics.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial cross-section view of convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. This figure illustrates the spatial relation of top layer 20, bottom layer 30, interior region 40, hub 42, and spokes 44.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial cross-section view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 100 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 100 may contain a top layer 110, a bottom layer 120, a hub 130, spokes 140, and a padding layer 150 located between top layer 110 and bottom layer 120. Padding layer 150 may either be located above or below hub 130 and spokes 140, or if two padding layers 150 are used, one layer may be located above and one layer may be located below hub 130 and spokes 140. Padding layer 150 may be comprised of a soft, flexible, and machine-washable material such as cotton. Padding layer 150 may be a variety of sizes and shapes to accomplish various objectives. Padding layer 150 may also include an air pocket having a valve for either mechanical or manual inflation/deflation. Padding layer 150 may also be comprised of compressible foam material. Padding layer 150 may also be comprised of a compressible foam material with 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, whereby the multi-purpose mat may be then converted into a storage bag for transport and storage.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a child 70 and toy 80 positioned on multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. In one embodiment of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10, the child may be positioned in a central location on multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10, so that if the child moves around, it is still positioned on the multi-purpose mat.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 200 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 200 may contain a top layer 210 and a bottom layer 220. A zipper 230 having a corresponding tab 232 may be located on the bottom surface of bottom layer 220 to facilitate the converting of the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 200 may also contain a raised outer edge 240 that helps prevent infants and toddlers from leaving the bounds of the mat. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 200 may contain structural support members (not shown) between top layer 210 and bottom layer 220 to help form outer edge 240.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 in the multi-purpose mat orientation, illustrating one embodiment of the positioning of hub 42 and spokes 44. In this embodiment, hub 42 and spokes 44 are separated. In one implementation, hub 42 may be surrounded on the outer perimeter by stitching 43. Stitching 43 may keep hub 42 substantially fixed into place within interior region 40. In an implementation where hub 42 is shaped as a ring, hub 42 may be surrounded on the inner and outer perimeter by stitching 43. In one embodiment, spokes 44 may each be surrounded by stitching 45. Stitching 45 may keep spokes 44 substantially fixed into place within interior region 40. Hub 42 and spokes 44 may encompass a variety of orientations to accomplish various objectives. One embodiment of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 may have a hub 42 and spokes 44 that are not fixed within interior region 40, such that a user may manually adjust hub 42 and spokes 44 to fit various needs.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 having one zipper 50 closed, partially in the multi-purpose mat orientation and partially within the storage bag orientation.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 300 in the storage bag orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 300 may contain a top layer 310 (not shown) and a bottom layer 320. A zipper 330 having a corresponding tab 332 may be located on the bottom surface of bottom layer 320 to facilitate the converting of the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 300 may contain a handle strap 340 attached to bottom layer 320 to aid in the transport from location to location. Handle strap 340 may be comprised of two sections 342 each attached to two different corners of bottom layer 320. Handle strap 340 may be secured by engaging one section 342 containing a securing mechanism 344 to another section 342 containing a plurality of holes 346 to allow adjustment of the length of handle strap 340. Handle strap 340 may include other securing or adjusting means such as buttons, snaps, hooks, or other securing or adjusting means as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 having one zipper 50 closed and a toy 80 positioned thereon, partially in the multi-purpose mat orientation and partially within the storage bag orientation. FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 having all zippers 50 closed and toy 80 positioned therein, in the storage bag orientation. FIG. 9C depicts a perspective view of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10 having all zippers 50 closed and toy 80 positioned therein, in the storage bag orientation and being carried by the hand 70 of a user.

FIG. 10 depicts a partial detailed view of a zipper 50 of the multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10. This figure illustrates the positioning of zipper 50 with corresponding tab 52 on the bottom surface of bottom layer 30 to help prevent an infant or child from being injured during use of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 10.

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 may contain a top layer 410 and a bottom layer 420 (see FIG. 12). Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 may also contain at least one drawstring 430 located around the perimeter of multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 to help convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 may also contain a securing member 440 that is attached to one drawstring 430. Securing member 440 may be used to secure all of drawstrings 430 after the multi-purpose mat has been converted into the storage bag, to help prevent the storage bag from opening during transport and storage.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 400 in the storage bag orientation, illustrating how drawstrings 430 are secured in the storage bag orientation by securing member 440. In this embodiment, securing member 440 is a clip. However, securing member 440 may embody various types of securing members as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art, including other clips, rings, and hooks.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 in the multi-purpose mat orientation. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 may include a top layer 510 and a bottom layer 520 (not shown). Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 may be square in shape, but may be a hexagon, octagon, circle or any balanced shape, and includes two zippers 530 attached to the outer perimeter thereof to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Zippers 530 may each contain a tab 532 located at opposing corners 534. To convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag, a user may pull each tab 532 towards the center of the multi-purpose mat causing the multi-purpose mat to fold into a secure and portable storage bag (see FIG. 14). Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 may also include various indicia 540, represented here by a pair of horse shoes, located thereon to help provide a stimulating multi-purpose mat for an infant or toddler. Indicia 540 may be various other shapes or designs to appeal to children and/or adults, depending on the intended purpose of the mat. For example, a multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 that is intended for use in a picnic setting may have various food and/or beverage indicia 540 located thereon. Similarly, a multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 that is intended for use in sports settings, such as adjacent to a soccer field, may have various sports related indicia 540 located thereon. Indicia 540 may be located on top layer 510 and/or bottom layer 520.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of convertible multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 in the storage bag orientation with zippers 530 zipped up. Multi-purpose mat and storage bag 500 may include one or more handles 550 coupled to the body portion to allow a user to transport the storage bag from location to location.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the embodiments of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the embodiments of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the embodiments of the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the embodiments of the invention.

Claims

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.