Fabric rolling device and method

Abstract

The present specification relates generally to devices for configuring pliable articles and more specifically to a device for rolling fabric articles for storage and related method. The device for rolling fabric articles for storage and the related method may facilitate the storage of a greater number of fabric articles within a given space, without rendering the stored articles inaccessible. The fabric rolling device comprises a housing; a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends and extending horizontally through the housing; a rotational mechanism in communication with the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods; and at least one supporting mechanism, disposed within the housing proximate one of a free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods and the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fabric rolling device, comprising:
 a housing;   a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends and extending horizontally therefrom through the housing;   a rotational mechanism in communication with the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods; and   at least one supporting mechanism, disposed within the housing proximate one of a free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods and the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one supporting mechanism comprises a first and a second supporting mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the first supporting mechanism, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds the free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the second supporting mechanism, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the first supporting mechanism comprises an extendable first arm disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods and pivotally connected to a handle and to the housing, such that the depression of the handle extends the first arm to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the second supporting mechanism comprises an extendable second arm disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods and pivotally connected to a handle and to the housing, such that the depression of the handle extends the second arm to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a support rod, fixed to the housing in front of and parallel to the pair of substantially parallel rods. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a handle pivotally connected to the at least one supporting mechanism, wherein the handle comprises a latch configured to latch onto the support rod, thereby retaining the at least one supporting mechanism in a clamped position. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are flexible. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are cylindrical. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are flat. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotational mechanism comprises a motor. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises:
 a base; and   a lid.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a tensioner bar extending between a first and a second supporting mechanism of the at least one supporting mechanism. 
     
     
         16 . A method of rolling fabric comprising:
 positioning the fabric between a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends; and   using a rotational mechanism to rotate the pair of substantially parallel rods to roll the fabric.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 activating a first supporting mechanism to clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at a second end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 activating a second supporting mechanism to clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 applying downward pressure to the fabric via a tensioner bar positioned lateral to the pair of substantially parallel rods.