TRANSFORMING INSULATED CONTAINER AND MULTIPURPOSE MAT

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 line 4-4 in FIG. 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 in FIGS. 2A-2E, the present invention is a transforming insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the main part of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 is a flexible panel 2. The flexible panel 2 has a first outer surface 3, a second outer surface 4, and an edge 5 joining the first and second outer surfaces 3 and 4. A first strap length 6 is attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the first strap length 6 is adjacent a first portion 7 of the edge 5. A second strap length 8 attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the second strap length 8 is adjacent a second portion 9 of the edge 5. A third strap length 10 attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the third strap length 10 is adjacent a third portion 11 of the edge 5. A fourth strap length 12 attached to the flexible panel 2 such that a portion of the fourth strap length 12 is adjacent a fourth portion 13 of the edge 5.

The first strap length 6 is substantially diametrically opposed to the second strap length 8 across the flexible panel 2 on a first diametrical axis 14, and the third strap length 10 is substantially diametrically opposed to the fourth strap 12 length across the flexible panel 2 on a second diametrical axis 15. The first diametrical axis 14 is orthogonal to the second diametrical axis 15.

Preferably, the present invention is a combination 23 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 and an object 16.

The object 16 preferably has a first circumference 17 and a second circumference 18 orthogonal to the first circumference 17, a maximum height 21 and a maximum width 22. The first diametrical axis 14 is preferably parallel and proximate a first diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. Preferably, the second diametrical axis 15 is parallel and proximate a second diameter 20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. The object 16 is shown as a six-pack of 12-ounce cans 16. For references, standard 12-ounce cans are 4.5 inches tall, 2.375 inches in diameter and 8 inches in circumference. The maximum height 21 of a standard six-pack 16 is 4.5 inches and the maximum width 22 is approximately 7.125 inches.

The first diameter 19 and the second diameter 20 of the object 16 preferably are mutually orthogonal. Preferably, the first circumference 17 is longer than the first diameter 19 of the object 16, and the second circumference 18 is shorter than the second diameter 20 of the object 16. The first diameter 19 is preferably aligned with the first circumference 17.

The first and second edge portions 7 and 9 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the first diameter 19 preferably are turned up so that the flexible panel 2 extends more than halfway up the maximum height 21 of the object 16 until the first and second edge portions 7 and 9 are separated by less than the maximum width 22 of the object 16. Preferably, the first strap length 6 is releasably connected to the second strap length 8.

The second diameter 20 is preferably aligned with the second circumference 18. Preferably, the third and fourth portions 11 and 13 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the second diameter 20 are turned up so that a third area 26 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the third portion 11 of the edge 5 is over a fourth area 27 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the fourth portion 13 of the edge 5. The third strap length 10 preferably is releasably connected to the fourth strap length 12.

Preferably, a first area 24 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the first portion 7 of the edge 5 is under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2. A second area 25 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the second portion 9 of the edge 5 preferably is under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2. Preferably, a portion of the flexible panel 2 is between the object 16 and any portion of the edge 5 not in contact with the object 16. A portion of the flexible panel 2 preferably covers any portion of the edge 5 that is in contact with the object 16. The object 16 is thereby completely enclosed by the flexible panel 2.

Preferably, the edge 5 has four straight sides 28, each corresponding to one of the first, second, third and fourth portions 7, 9, 11 and 13 of the edge 5. The flexible panel 2 is preferably generally rectangular, with rounded corners, measuring approximately 21.75 inches from the first portion 7 to the second portion 9 and 25.25 inches from the third portion 11 to the fourth portion 13. Preferably, the first diameter 19 bisects the second diameter 20 and the second diameter 20 bisects the first diameter 19.

The object 16 is preferably generally bounded by a right-angled parallelepiped 29 or three-dimensional rectangle. Preferably, the right-angled parallelepiped 29 has 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. The first circumference 17 of the object 16 preferably is equal to the sum of twice the height 21 and twice the width 22. Preferably, the second circumference 18 of the object 16 is equal to the sum of twice the height 21 and twice the length 30. The first diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 preferably is greater than the sum of the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled parallelepiped 16, and less than the sum of twice the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled parallelepiped 16. The flexible panel 2 wraps under the object 16 but does not meet, much less overlap.

Preferably, a first buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the first strap length 6, a second buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the second strap length 8, a third buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the third strap length 10, and a fourth buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the fourth strap length 12. The first, second, third and fourth buckles 35 preferably are first, second, third and fourth plastic slide release buckles 35.

Preferably, the 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 the first and second outer layers 36 and 37.

Preferably, the first inner layer 38 is formed from an insulating material substantially more temperature insulating than the first and second outer layers 36 and 37. The first inner layer 38 is preferably formed from polyethylene foam. Preferably, the first inner layer 38 is formed from a compressible insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press the overlapping portions of the flexible panel 2 together. This helps to form a relatively tight seal and improves the overall insulation of the flexible panel 2.

The first and second outer layers 36 and 37 of the flexible panel 2 preferably are substantially impermeable to water and other liquids. Most preferably, the first and second outer layers 36 and 37 are formed from thin layers of plastic film, aluminum, fabric and a second layer of plastic film.

The second outer surface 4 of the flexible panel 2 is preferably reflective, reflecting both heat and light. This improves heat retention and makes the flexible panel 2 useable as a sun shield, signaling device, and the like.

Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap lengths 6, 8, 10 and 12 interface with and are attached to the first outer surface 3 of the flexible panel 2. The third and fourth strap lengths 10 and 12 preferably are joined to each other as one continuous strap. The first, second and third strap lengths 6, 8 and 10 are all preferably attached near the edge 5 of the flexible panel 2. The fourth strap length 12 is preferably attached approximately 18 inches from the fourth portion 13 of the edge 5. Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap lengths 6, 8, 10 and 12 are formed from polymer webbing.

The insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 is preferably adapted for containing an object 16 having a first circumference 17 and a second circumference 18 orthogonal to the first circumference 17, a maximum height 21 and a maximum width 22. Preferably, the first diametrical axis 14 is parallel and proximate a first diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1. The second diametrical axis 15 is preferably parallel and proximate a second diameter 20 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1.

Preferably, the first diameter 19 and the second diameter 20 are mutually orthogonal. The first diameter 19 is preferably adapted to be shorter than the first circumference 17. Preferably, the second diameter 20 is adapted to be longer than the second circumference 18. The first diameter 19 is preferably adapted to be aligned with the first circumference 17. Preferably, the first and second portions 7 and 9 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the first diameter 19 are adapted to be turned up so that the flexible panel 2 can extend more than halfway up the maximum height 21 of the object 16 until the first and second edge portions 7 and 9 can be separated by less than the maximum width 22 of the object 16. The first strap length 6 preferably can be releasably connected to the second strap length 8.

Preferably, the second diameter 20 is adapted to be aligned with the second circumference 18. The third and fourth portions 11 and 13 of the edge 5 at opposite ends of the second diameter 20 preferably are adapted to be turned up so that a third area 26 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the third portion 11 of the edge 5 can be over a fourth area 27 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the fourth portion 13 of the edge 5. Preferably, the third strap length 10 can be releasably connected to the fourth strap length 12. A first area 24 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the first portion 7 of the edge 5 preferably can be under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2. Preferably, a second area 25 of the flexible panel 2 adjacent the second portion 9 of the edge 5 can be under the third and fourth areas 26 and 27 of the flexible panel 2. A portion of the flexible panel 2 preferably can be between the object 16 and any portion of the edge 5 not in contact with the object 16. Preferably, a portion of the flexible panel 2 can cover any portion of the edge 5 that is in contact with the object 16.

The edge 5 preferably has four straight sides 28, each corresponding to one of the first, second, third and fourth portions 7, 9, 11 and 13 of the edge 5. Preferably, the first diameter 19 bisects the second diameter 20, and the second diameter 20 preferably bisects the first diameter 19.

The object 16 is preferably generally bounded by a right-angled parallelepiped 29, the 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. Preferably, the first circumference 17 of the object 16 is equal to the sum of twice the height 21 and twice the width 22. The second circumference 18 of the object 16 is preferably equal to the sum of twice the height 21 and twice the length 30. Preferably, the first diameter 19 of the insulated container and multipurpose mat 1 is greater than the sum of the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled parallelepiped 16, and less than the sum of twice the width 22 and twice the height 21 of the right-angled parallelepiped 16.

Preferably, a first buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the first strap length 6, a second buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the second strap length 8, a third buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the third strap length 10, and a fourth buckle 35 is joined to the flexible panel 2 by the fourth strap length 12.

The flexible panel 2 is preferably 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 the first and second outer layers 36 and 37. Preferably, the first inner layer 38 is formed from an insulating material substantially more temperature insulating than the first and second outer layers 36 and 37. The first inner layer 38 is preferably formed from a compressible insulating material that, after being compressed, expands to press the overlapping portions of the flexible panel 2 together. Preferably, the first and second outer layers 36 and 37 of the flexible panel 2 are substantially impermeable. The second outer surface 4 of the flexible panel 2 is preferably reflective.

Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth strap lengths 6, 8, 10 and 12 interface with and are attached to the first outer surface 3 of the flexible panel 2. The third and fourth strap lengths 10 and 12 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

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 and 4);

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) of claim 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 and 9) 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 and 9) 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 and 13) 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 and 27) 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 and 27) 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) of claim 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 and 13) of said edge (5).

4. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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) of claim 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) of claim 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) of claim 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 and 37).

8. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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 and 37).

9. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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) of claim 9 wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and 37) of said flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.

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

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

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

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

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 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 and 9) 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 and 9) 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 and 13) 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 and 27) 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 and 27) 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) of claim 14, 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 and 13) of said edge (5).

16. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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) of claim 16, 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).

18. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 17, 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).

19. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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 and 37).

20. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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 and 37).

21. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 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) of claim 21 wherein the first and second outer layers (36 and 37) of said flexible panel (2) are substantially impermeable.

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

24. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 23 wherein said first, second, third and fourth strap lengths (6, 8, 10 and 12) interface with and are attached to said first outer surface (3) of said flexible panel (2).

25. The insulated container and multipurpose mat (1) of claim 24 wherein said third and fourth strap lengths (10 and 12) are joined to each other.