The mat roller

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device used to aid the rolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device used to aid the rolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material comprising:
 a central core having an effective circumference, a length, a rotational axis, and two opposing ends; wherein the central core has a first end and an open slot extending across at least a majority of the length;   a first handle in rotatable connection with the central core; and   a cross-bar attached to the at least one handle,   wherein the central core is configured in operable connection with the first handle and the cross-bar to permit the central core to rotate independently of the first handle and the cross-bar.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second handle attached the other of the two opposing ends. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  or  2 , further comprising at least one rotational facilitation mechanism attached to at least one of the two opposing ends, wherein the two opposing ends are closed ends and each of the first and second handles are attached to each of the opposing ends. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the two opposing ends are closed ends. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a rotatable mounting element configured to provide a rotatable attachment between the central core and the first handle or the first handle and the second handle. handle. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-bar is attached to the first and second handle. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the cross-bar is movably attached to the first and second handle such that it can be moved along a length of each of the first and second handle and retained at different positions along the length of each of the first and second handle. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising the recreational water mat, wherein an end of the recreational water mat is inserted within the open slot and the recreational water mat is rolled about the central core. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the open slot is of uniform width or wedge-shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the roller is buoyant in water. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a flotation device positioned within the central core. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the central core, handle, or cross-bar comprises a hollow compartment that is sealed airtight. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an axel defined by two opposing peripheral ends and positioned within at least an interior portion of the central core, wherein the axel is configured in operable connection with the central core to permit the central core to rotate with or about the axel. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the first handle is rotatably connected to at least one of the two opposing peripheral ends. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an axel defined by two opposing peripheral ends and attached to or formed on each of the two opposing ends of the central core, wherein the axel is configured in operable connection with the central core to permit the central core to rotate with or about the axel. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable connection is a fixed or releasable connection with the central core. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a rotation facilitation mechanism selected from the group consisting of a wheel, a rotation handle, a port or attachment point for connection with a separate rotation element, or the like. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the rotation facilitation mechanism comprises a wheel or rotation handle, and further comprises a wheel spinner. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central core comprises a cylinder having an outer surface, and wherein the open slot is positioned in the outer surface. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central core comprises two or more bars, two or more parallel sheets, or a combination thereof, defining the open slot and a wing structure arranged about the rotational axis, wherein the open slot comprises an open area between at least two of the two or more bars, two or more parallel sheets, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a protective material is positioned on at least a portion of the open slot, wherein the protective material comprises plastic, rubber or silicone. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the protective material comprises plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric, silicone, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. 
     
     
         23 . A method of rolling a recreational water mat, comprising inserting a mat into the open slot of the device of  claim 1  and rotating the central core about the axel.