Storage device and method for storing linens and other household goods

Abstract

A storage device for storing table linens and other foldable household goods virtually dust and wrinkle-free includes: (a) a generally cylindrical core tube; and (b) a flexible wrap guide extending from the core tube along a longitudinal axis of the core tube; wherein the storage device is interchangeable between an unrolled position in which the wrap guide is not wrapped around the core tube, and a rolled-up position in which the wrap guide and at least one of the table linens or other household goods are wrapped around the core tube. Also included herein is a method of storing at least one linen or other household good.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENT [0001] This invention was described in Disclosure Document Number 549704, which was received by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on Mar. 25, 2004. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention relates to a storage device and method for storing linens and other foldable household goods, and, more particularly to an easily stored device for storing cloth tablecloths, table runners, placemats, doilies, dinner napkins, woven rugs, quilts, wall hangings, blankets, tapestries, heirloom clothing, etc., so that they are unlikely to wrinkle or be damaged over time. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0004] Two primary means of storage for table linens, such as tablecloths, table runners, placemats, doilies, and dinner napkins, currently exist: storage in a drawer, chest, or box, or storage on hangers. Many housewives or househusbands fold table linens and store them in stacks in a chest, such as a cedar chest, or a drawer of a bu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a small item storage device according to the present invention, shown in a rolled-up position;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a small item storage device according to the present invention, having hook and loop material fasteners;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a pe

Problems solved by technology

However, this means of storage has several downfalls.

The linens tend to wrinkle, particularly along the fold lines.

The linen owner often has difficulty finding specific linens; in the search for a favorite tablecloth, for example, he or she must successively remove linens from the drawer or chest, or alternatively, browse the folded linens and then exact the desired one from the drawer or chest.

During the hunt, the other linens are easily unfolded and incur additional wrinkles, especially at their corners and edges.

It is difficult to ascertain the dimensions of a table linen without removing it from the drawer or chest, which means more work folding and unfolding linens.

Another problem with storage in a drawer is soiling or other damage from other items placed in the drawer, such as candle wicks, candlestick holders, utensils, etc.

Some people store linens in a box, where they may wrinkle and / or be damaged by seasonal items stored with them.

Also, such boxes take up shelf space, are often difficult to locate, and may themselves be damaged by dampness, mildew, moths, other insects, etc.

They accumulate dust and may be damaged by moths and other insects.

They occupy valuable closet space.

Again, keeping sets of linens together is problematical.

Some linens are quite delicate and expensive, and they may be family heirlooms.

Images