WO2022011148A1

WO2022011148A1 - The mat roller

Info

Publication number: WO2022011148A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/040901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick D. KUEHL JR.
Original assignee: Kuehl Jr Patrick D
Priority date: 2020-07-08
Filing date: 2021-07-08
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: US20230249940A1

Abstract

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

Description

THE MAT ROLLER

BACKGROUND

[0001] The popularity of floating recreational water mats, commonly called floating mattresses or an “Aqua Lily Pad,” has risen dramatically. Water mats vary in size, but are typically around 5 or 6 feet wide and 18 or more feet long and 1 to 2 inches thick, making them bulky and difficult to handle, to roll up, and to store. When not in use, water mats are typically stored in a rolled up position. Water mats are typically rolled up by hand for storage and generally require at least two people to roll up due to their size. To retain their shape in a rolled position, straps are typically placed around them when rolled up to keep them in the rolled position.

[0002] There is a need for a mechanism to aid in the rolling up and storage of a water mat. The present invention is a device for rolling up a water mat that allows for a single person to roll up a water mat after use and allows two people to roll up a water mat with ease. The present invention also allows for easier storage of a floating water mat.

[0003] The present invention addresses this and other related needs in the art.

SUMMARY

[0004] Provided herein in frequent embodiments are devices used to aid the rolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material. Such devices including 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 attached to at least one of the two opposing ends; and a cross-bar attached 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. Often, the exemplary device further comprises a second handle attached the other of the two opposing ends.

[0005] Also often, the device further comprised 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. Often the two opposing ends are closed ends.

[0006] According to frequent embodiments contemplated herein, a handle may be connected to the central core or axel with a hinge or other device that allows the central core to rotate between a position where the rotational axis of the central core is perpendicular to a handle and a position where the rotational axis of the central core is parallel to at least one handle.

[0007] According to frequent embodiments contemplated herein, the device floats or is buoyant in water. In such embodiments, often the device further comprises a flotation device positioned within the central core. Also in such embodiments, at least a portion of the central core or at least a portion of the handle or at least a portion cross bar comprises a hollow compartment that is sealed airtight.

[0008] In certain embodiments the device further comprises 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 cylinder to permit the cylinder to rotate with or about the axel. Often in such embodiments, the first handle and/or a second handle if present, is rotatably connected to at least one of the two opposing peripheral ends. Also often, the rotatable connection is a fixed or releasable connection with the central core. In related embodiments, the device frequently includes 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. In often included embodiments, the rotation facilitation mechanism comprises a wheel or rotation handle, and the wheel or rotation handle further comprises a wheel spinner.

[0009] According to certain frequent embodiments, the device comprises two axels, one axel positioned on each end of the central core, wherein the axels are configured in operable connection with the central core to permit the central core to rotate with or about the axels. Often in such embodiments, the first handle is rotatably connected to at least a portion of one axel and the second handle is rotatably connected to at least a portion of the second axel.

[0010] Also according to certain frequent embodiments the central core comprises a cylinder having an outer surface, and wherein the open slot is positioned in the outer surface. Alternatively, in frequent embodiments 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.

Often according to the contemplated embodiments a protective material is positioned on at least a portion of the open slot. Often the protective material comprises plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric, silicone, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Also contemplated herein are methods of manufacture and methods of using the devices contemplated herein.

[0011] These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary central core of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 2A-2J depict a variety of embodiments including optional flange orientation options and central core adaptations.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the shape of a recreational water mat.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of the shape of a recreational water mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the subsections that follow.

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] As used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0023] As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both.”

[0024] As used herein “recreational water mat” or “mat” or “pad” refers to a floating water pad or mattress that has a large and flat surface and is buoyant in water. Such mats may be inherently buoyant or inflatable. Generally, such mats are rectangular in shape and having a defined thickness. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the general shape of such a recreational water mat.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, a central core 10 is provided in the form of a modified cylinder. The length of the central core 10 is generally at least as wide as a width of a mat to be rolled up. The central core 10 includes a slot 12 having a width that spans at least a portion of the length of the central core. The width of the slot at the central core surface may be fixed or variable. Often the width of the slot is between about 1 inch to at or about 2 inches. Often the width of the slot is larger, for example, at or about 3 inches, at or about 4 inches, or wider. Generally, however, the width of the slot corresponds to the thickness of the mat to be rolled such that an end of the mat can be inserted into the slot.

[0026] The central core includes a flange 11 on each edge of the slot 12 angled inwardly from the outer surface of the central core 10 toward the interior of the central core 10. In the depicted embodiment two flanges 11 are included, one along each edge of the slot 12. Each flange traverses the entire slot 12. Each flange extends inwardly toward the interior of the central core to a predetermined length that is sufficient to apply a holding force to the mat, without damaging the mat. Often the length of the flange is from at or about 1 inch up to the length of the diameter of the central core when the central core is in the form of a cylinder. While the flanges defining slot 12 depicted are parallel, one or both of them may be included at converging or opposing angles (FIGS. 2B, 2C). For example, one or both flanges may have a converging angle such that from a proximal portion of the length along the exterior of the central core to a distal portion of the length lying within the interior of the central core, the flanges become closer together (FIGS. 2D, 2H, 21). This defines a converging wedge shape slot (FIGS. 2D, 2H, 21). Alternatively, one or both flanges may have an opposing angle such that from a proximal portion of the length along the exterior of the central core to a distal portion of the length lying within the interior of the central core, the flanges become further apart (FIG. 2E). This defines a diverging wedge shape slot (FIG. 2E). Alternatively, the flanges are parallel, but each flange 11 is angled in a direction angled away from the center of the central core to form a full or partial chord within the central core (FIGS. 2B, 2C).

[0027] In certain embodiments one or both flanges may incorporate a protective material, such as plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric, or silicone, to protect the mat from damage. Similarly, in certain embodiments one or both flanges may incorporate a docking material that imparts a friction force on the mat when inserted or removed from the slot. Also similarly, in certain embodiments one or both flanges may incorporate a docking material that imparts and reduces friction force applied to the mat when inserted or removed from the slot. Generally, the minimum depth of the slot is provided to impart a mechanical grip on the mat when a rolling process is begun so the mat will not slip out of the slot as the rolling process continues.

[0028] While the central core of the apparatus is depicted as a slotted cylinder, a variety of types of central cores can be utilized. For example, the central cores may be comprised of a cage or support structure having, for example, two or more bars/supports spanning the length of the central core (FIGS. 2F-2J). Some of these types of arrangements falling within the scope of the present disclosure include the following. For example, bars or supports may be connected in a circle or approximating a basic cylinder shape (including pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc. shapes) around a central axis (14); multiple supports arranged in a single plane adapted around a central axis; multiple supports arranged in two or more planes (e.g., parallel, converging, diverging) adapted around a central axis; a flange apparatus for holding an end of the mat along with a support for supporting the mat when rolled around a central axis. In this regard, useful adaptions have been found to include features such as a mechanism to hold/support the end of the mat (i.e., flange), in addition to a portion or support for easing the rolling process by supporting the mat in an area adjacent to the mechanism to hold/support the end of the mat. FIGS. 2F-2J are presented to depicts some exemplary arrangements of these embodiments, which specify an adapted version of a flange (11a), having at least one slot (12, 12a). Some embodiments such as those depicted in FIGS. 2F, 2G, and 2J, include two or more slots (12, 12a), thereby providing the option for positioning of an end of the mat in either slot (12, 12a). In these embodiments, the flange and slot may be adapted with the physical orientations contemplated herein.

[0029] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary indication of the depth (D) of an exemplary slot. Such depth can be seen in the remainder of the FIG. 2 examples, while it is not specifically labeled as such. Such depth may be referred to herein in connection with slot depth or flange length. [0030] As also depicted in the various FIG. 2 embodiments, an effective circumference (R’) is identified. In the depicted embodiments having a cylinder as the central core (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2E), the effective circumference is the outer portion of the cylinder. In other embodiments, such as those that include supports or bars as depicted in FIGS. 2F-2J, the effective circumference is the outermost point of the support/bar in a circular plane around an axis of rotation.

[0031] Relatedly, in certain frequent embodiments the central core is comprised of substantially parallel bars (not depicted), or opposing bars where at least one edge of the bars is substantially parallel. Alternatively, for example, the central core is comprised of parallel sheets, a bar and a sheet, or other arrangement, defining a slot and a wing structure. The slot is adapted to accept an end of the mat and the wing structure is adapted to provide support to the mat when rolled/unrolled from the central core. The width of the slot corresponds to slots described herein. The wing structure is provided to include additional leverage as the rolling process begins and acts as an initial support structure for the first wrap of the mat around the central core. After the first wrap of the mat around the central core, each additional wrap is supported by the preceding wrap.

[0032] As depicted in FIG. 3, the central core 10 has a closed end 13 on each end having an axel 14 on each end that extends outwardly from the ends of the central core 10. In certain embodiments the axel extends within the central core along the longitudinal axis of the central core and is longer that the central core and extends outwardly from the central core on at least one end. In other embodiments, the axel does not extend the entire length of the central core, but a portion of an axel is fixedly attached to each end of the central core extending outwardly from end of the central core. A handle portion 15 having a cross bar 16 is attached to at least one peripheral end region of the axel. This attachment may be at the peripheral end or in the end region but not at the peripheral end of the axel. Alternatively, this attachment may be at the peripheral end of the axel. If the axel does not extend outside of the central core the attachment is often within a peripheral end region of the central core or a closed end of the central core. In any event, this attachment is adapted to provide for rotation of the central core along its longitudinal axis relative to the handle portion without interfering with winding/rolling and unwinding/unrolling of a contemplated mat around the central core. The handle portion 15 extends outwardly from the central core and is connected to the axle(s) or the central core in a manner that allows the axle(s) and central core to rotate without the handle rotating. Generally, the cross bar portion 16 is positioned outwardly from the central core at a length (L) sufficient to permit a mat to be rolled up within this length, between the central core 10 and the cross bar 16, and also at a length (L) sufficient for the cross bar portion 16 to apply slight pressure to the mat while completely rolled up so it will not unroll by itself. In any of the embodiments depicted herein, the central core may be equipped with a rope or receiver for a rope or other device to aid in the insertion of the mat into the central core.

[0033] When it comes to attachment of the handle with the central core, at least three sets of embodiments are contemplated. In one set of embodiments, the handle is attached to the axel and the central core rotates around the axel. In another set of embodiments, the handle is attached to the axel and the central core rotates together with the axel. In another set of embodiments, the central core rotates relative to the handle without regard to the presence of an axel or attachment of the handle with an axel (if present). A variety of configurations are contemplated for either set of embodiments. For example, in frequent embodiments the rotating components are attached using a loose fitting. In other embodiments sealed bearings are utilized. With regard to the loose fitting, this arrangement is often a metal bracket with the axel freely rotating within the bracket. Friction-reducing materials or mechanisms may be employed to reduce rolling resistance but are optional.

[0034] An optional latch mechanism (not depicted) may be included that can be opened or closed permitting the central core to either rotate around the axel and/or handle(s) or be secured from rotation. In certain embodiments this latch mechanism is separate or provided as a ratchet that permits rotation of the central core in one direction of rotation but prohibits rotation in the opposite direction. Such a mechanism aids in inhibiting unrolling of a mat while a rolling operation is undertaken, which can be very useful in the wet environments typical of such mat use. Such a latch or ratchet may be releasable such that the central core can freely rotate when the latch or ratchet is disengaged.

[0035] Also optionally, the handle and cross bar portions are removable, for example, to permit easy insertion of the mat into the slot or release from the slot. Also optionally, the axel(s) are removable to permit easy insertion of the mat into the slot or release from the slot.

[0036] While the handle and cross-bar are described as separate items, it is specifically contemplated that the handle and cross-bar may comprise a single element or mechanism, for example, a single contiguous bar may comprise both the handle and cross-bar. The handle may also be fitted with an additional handle or gripping mechanism to allow the user easier grip of the handle with one hand. The cross-bar may be constructed of a different material than the rest of the apparatus and may be flexible, comprised of rope, bungee cord material or the like. [0037] As depicted in FIG. 4, an optional rotational facilitation mechanism 17 may be included with each of the embodiments contemplated here. This rotational facilitation mechanism 17 includes an area attached to the central core (including alternatively, the axel, outer end, or another part) that is configured to be gripped by a user of the apparatus and rotated to thereby rotate the central core or axel and central core. This mechanism is adapted to not interfere with the mat being rolled or unrolled onto or off of the central core. This mechanism is also adapted to provide enhanced or eased grip and control over the rotational aspects of the central core and/or to enhance the leverage over the rotational aspects of the central core the apparatus by a user. This mechanism also, like the central core, is configured to rotate independently of the handle and cross-bar and also facilitate co-use of the rotational facilitation mechanism along with the handle or cross-bar by the user while maneuvering, rolling a mat or unrolling a mat. A variety of implementations in this regard are contemplated. For example, a wheel mechanism such as that depicted in FIGS. 4 & 5 may be included on one or both peripheral ends of the central core that allows the user to easily grip and rotate the central core and/or axel in order to roll up the mat. Alternatively, one of more grips such as a wheel spinner (19) is incorporated in operable connection with the rotational facilitation mechanism (17) to aid in rolling and unrolling a mat to or from the device. Alternatively, one or more grips (not depicted) may extend from one or both peripheral ends of the central core. These grips may be grasped by the user and used to rotate the central core.

[0038] For clarity, it is observed that in often included embodiments the central core and the axel are fixedly attached such that they rotate together. In such an embodiment, the handle is attached to the axel(s) in a way that allows the central core and axel(s) to rotate independently from the handle and cross-bar. Most often the handle is attached to the axel using a loose fitting such as a bracket fitting, with the bracket comprised in or attached fixedly to the handle, and the axel, or other related element of the axel or central core, passing though the bracket and permitted to freely rotate within the bracket, apart from any optional ratchet or latch mechanism.

[0039] In another embodiment, the central core lacks an axel. In such embodiments, often the central core is rotatably mounted on two peripheral ends (e.g., closed ends (13)). Most often the handle is attached to the central core using a loose fitting such as a bracket fitting, with the bracket comprised in or attached fixedly to the handle, and a rotating element of the central core passing though the bracket and permitted to freely rotate within the bracket, apart from any optional ratchet or latch mechanism. In other embodiments, a bearing race is mounted between the central core and each of the two peripheral ends and the central core rotates independently of the position of each of the two peripheral ends. This embodiment may be used with each other embodiment adaptation described herein.

[0040] In certain embodiments, cross bar 16 is translatably secured to the handle(s) 15 such that its position L can be adjusted along direction R, either closer to the central core or further from the central core. The movable securing of the cross bar may incorporate a latch on one or more handles that can be actuated to be fixed at a specific position L along direction R or moved between different positions L along direction R. This latch may be a friction fitting, a step fitting, or the like that can be actuated using the cross-bar or a separate actuating mechanism. Such movement permits the cross bar to be clamped down on a rolled mat to maintain a tight roll around the central core. The cross bar may also be translatably secured to the handle(s) by a spring mechanism such that it can provide force on the mat as it is rolled up to keep it from unrolling. In certain related embodiments the cross-bar is shaped, or incorporates a closure element, to provide an enhanced grip or a larger surface area of pressure on a mat rolled around the central core. In this sense, in such embodiments, the cross-bar may not be a central core or bar as depicted in FIGS. 3-5, but instead has a different shape or portions of it have a different shape such as a circle sector a curvature corresponding to a radius about equal to a radius of the central core plus length L, while accounting for any movement along direction R toward or away from the center of the central core.

[0041] Generally, the cross-bar permits the mat to be rolled around the central core and secured against unwinding or unrolling from the device without the use of an additional strap wrapped around the circumference of the mat. Therefore, generally the presently contemplated embodiments fully function without the need for an additional strap. In this regard, when the mat is rolled around the central core, it is often retained by pressure by the cross-bar, or component thereof. As noted, the cross-bar may include physical features or independently operating mechanisms configured to interact with a rolled mat and apply pressure to the mat when wound around the central core on the apparatus. In one set of embodiments, the operation of the cross-bar to apply pressure to the rolled mat also actuates the central core to be secured on the axel to prevent rotation around the axel. A lever or pully system positioned in or on the cross-bar and/or handle, operably connected with a gear or the like positioned on or within the central core or closed outer end is often used provide such releasable securing of the central core on the axel.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a motor that is configured to rotate the central core around the axel in an automated or actuatable matter. The handle and cross-bar may be provided to aid handling of the apparatus while the motor actuates the rolling of the central core. While the motor may be positioned fully interior to the central core, it may also be a configured to be permanently or removably attached to the handle or cross-bar and connected to the central core through a pully, chain, or gear systems or the like. Such a connection will often involve a mechanical, pressure, or magnetic connection with the axel and/or the one or both closed end(s). This connection permits the central core to be rotated by action of the motor independently of the handle. While the term “motor” is used herein it is intended to be non-limiting and refers to an apparatus capable of applying a centrifugal force to the central core relative to the axel. Electric, mechanical, solar, gas, liquid, pump, magnetic, combustion, or other means may be employed to power such an “motor.”

[0043] In other certain embodiments, the central core includes a pressure transducer that is configured to rotate the central core around the axel (or around the handle) when a pressure is applied, for example, using a pump.

[0044] The apparatus is generally formed of materials that maintain structural integrity and resist corrosion under the exposure to both fresh water and salt water. A coating such as paint, enamel, rubber, plastic, fabric (woven or non-woven), silicone, or the like may be included on components of the apparatus that are to be exposed to water. Such a coating may be protective from mechanical or chemical damage. Such a coating may also provide enhanced water shedding properties to the apparatus such as through a hydrophobic coating. The most preferred materials are light and strong such that a fully formed apparatus can be held and operated by hand by one or two operators. Plastic, Aluminum, thermoplastic, wood, carbon fiber, graphite, sheet metal, or the like are materials often contemplated according to the present embodiments. In certain embodiments, a fabric or other material is provided over a structural exoskeleton to provide an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0045] In certain frequent embodiments, the apparatus is buoyant or a buoyant mechanism or material is utilized to impart buoyancy to the device overall such that the entire device will float in water. In certain embodiments the apparatus is comprised of or includes one or more buoyant materials such that the apparatus is capable of floating. For example, buoyant material may be fitted within the central core to create sufficient air pockets to permit the apparatus to float by itself in water when a mat is not mounted to the apparatus. Also, in certain embodiments the central core defines a water-tight sealed hollow interior. This water tight sealed hollow interior provides sufficient buoyancy to the device to permit it to float by itself in water when a mat is not mounted to the apparatus. Also for example, material may be fitted on or in the handle and/or cross-bar and or the rotational facilitation mechanism that aid with the flotation of the apparatus. [0046] In certain frequent embodiments, the apparatus may be removably mounted to a boat or dock or other structure. For example, a boat or dock may be fit with at least one recessed receiver that may be aligned with at least one handle and configured for receiving a handle such that at least a portion of a handle can slide in and out of the receiver with or without a mat rolled up on the apparatus. In this manner, the apparatus may be removably attached to a boat or dock and used to roll up a mat while attached to a boat or dock and without being lifted and held up by the users. In such embodiments, the length of the handle be adjustable to permit the user to vary the distance between the central core and the boat or dock. Such embodiments provide numerous advantages. For example, such embodiments allow a user to insert the apparatus into a recessed receiver(s)s on the back of a boat, roll up the mat after use, and operate the boat with the mat and apparatus remaining removably attached to the boat. Once at a destination, the mat and apparatus may be removed for storage or the mat may be unrolled for further use and the apparatus removed for storage in a different location.

[0047] The central core is depicted in FIGS. 1 & 3-5 as a flat surface. However, it is specifically contemplated herein that the central core has physical surface texture or features. Such texture or features may include embossing or apertures in the surface of the central core. These adaptations are often provided to decrease the weight of the apparatus and/or enhance the structural rigidity of the central core. Enhancing the rigidity of the central core is often advantageous when using base materials that have a lower inherent rigidity or structural integrity, or when using particularly thin sheets/layers of material such as plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, graphite, or sheet metal as the outer surface of the central core. The central core may also have a surface that is not flat, but textured in a way to provide a frictional force to the mat in order to aid in rolling the mat. In other frequent embodiments, the apparatus may comprise at least one fitting attached to the cross bar or handle that may be inserted into a recessed receiver on a boat or dock or other structure so the apparatus may be removably attached to a boat or dock or other structure and used to roll up a mat while attached to a boat or dock and without being lifted and held up by the users.

[0048] With regard to FIGs. 6 & 7, these depict the general shape of a common recreational water mat as contemplated herein. A top plan view is depicted in FIG. 6 and a side plan view is depicted in FIG. 7. This is merely for exemplary purposes and is not intended to be limiting to any specific configuration of a recreational water mat, apart from it being wider and longer than it is thick. In FIG. 6 mat 20 has a side edges 22a/22b and end edges 21 a/2 lb (also referred to here as leading and trailing edges, with the leading end edge being the end edge inserted into the central core of the present disclosure). The mat is defined by a length “L” and width “W.” In FIG. 7 mat 20 has a top surface 23 and a bottom surface 24 and is defined by a thickness “T ” The mat as rolled around an exemplary central core or apparatus of the present disclosure it not depicted. A mat may or may not have curved comers.

[0049] The above examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations to those described above are possible. Since modifications and variations to the examples described above will be apparent to those of skill in this art, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0050] Citation of the above publications or documents is not intended as an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any admission as to the contents or date of these publications or documents.

Claims

CLAIMS 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.

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.