A multi-purpose mat has open and folded configurations. The mat includes a base
and a plurality of sidewalls disposed about a periphery of the base. A first resilient
flexible slat is disposed within one of the sidewalls and a second resilient flexible
slat is disposed within the remaining sidewalls. The slats provide means for reinforcing
the sidewalls and also provide a spring-like effect that allows the mat to automatically
rollout into the open configuration from the folded configuration. The sidewalls
fold about the periphery of the base; the sidewalls moving from a position generally
adjacent to the base to a position generally perpendicular to and extending generally
upwardly from the base when the mat is moved from the folded configuration to the
open configuration.