Abstract: A spool is transitionable between an operable (i.e., cable ready) state and a stowed (i.e., return ready) state. In the operable state, the spool is configured to receive and hold a coil of cable. In the stowed state, the spool has a reduced three-dimensional footprint compared to the operable state, thereby facilitating storage and return of the spools. The spool can be releasably locked in the operable state. When the lock is released, the spool can be freely transitioned between both states to facilitate reuse of the spool.

Abstract: A reel includes a first flange, a second flange, and a plurality of segmented structures each including a plurality of links pivotably coupled to a bracket of the first flange by a first end pivot rod and to the a bracket of the second flange by a second end pivot rod. The plurality of links is configured to have a first stable arrangement and a second stable arrangement different from the first stable arrangement. In the first stable arrangement, the first flange and the second flange are separated by a first distance with the reel being configured to support a first maximum load of cable, while in the second stable arrangement, the first flange and the second flange are separated by a second distance less than the first distance with the reel being configured to support a second maximum load of cable less than the first maximum load of cable.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bobbin (1) for winding and unwinding a link such as a cable or similar, comprising: • a central mandrel (10) comprising two opposing faces (11, 12) perpendicular to a rotational axis (13) of the bobbin (1), • two sets of arms (21) each mounted on a respective opposing face of the central mandrel (10), each arm being in contact with an intermediate support positioned between the two ends of same, • characterized in that the bobbin comprises a plurality of adjustment elements (30) each associated with a respective arm, the actuation of an adjustment element resulting in a force being applied to the associated arm of same through the intermediate support, the application of said force tending to vary the inclination of said arm around the intermediate support in such a way as to adjust the position of said arm in a plane essentially parallel to the rotational axis of the bobbin.

Abstract: A collapsible reel for storing wound items is preferably transported in a first or collapsed state and subsequently assembled or deployed into an operative, second state. First and second sidewalls having a first thickness are pulled apart to a second operative position. Arm portions form a central core around which the media is wrapped, and sidewall portions are disposed at one end of select arm portions to provide additional sidewall thickness to the final assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible reel-type apparatus provides a plurality of adjoining arm component axially joined to a plurality of adjoining leg component. The component so adjoined may be swiveled into a collapsed parallel condition for storage and an open perpendicular position for dispensing. Spring loaded elements automatically lock the components in the open position. Bearings located on the axial member above and below the sum arm component allow the free rotation of the arm component in the open position. Post guide members are adjustably secured to at least one arm component. An axially joined tubing guide extends outward and upward terminating in a looped enclosure. An upper retaining bar is detachably connected upon a coil with a tensioned retainer.

Abstract: A collapsible cable reel comprising a frame assembly having with a first end and a second end and at least one cable support is disclosed. A first end assembly releasably connects to the first end of the frame assembly and a second end assembly releasably connects to the second end of the frame assembly. At least one cable support extends from the frame assembly to the first end assembly and is adapted to support a length of cable wound around the collapsible cable reel. The length of the at least one cable support and the frame assembly are shortenable allowing the first end assembly to move closer to the second end assembly and the collapsible cable reel to move from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A collapsible reel-type apparatus provides a plurality of adjoining arm component axially joined to a plurality of adjoining leg component. The component so adjoined may be swiveled into a collapsed parallel condition for storage and an open perpendicular position for dispensing. Spring loaded elements automatically lock the components in the open position. Bearings located on the axial member above and below the sum arm component allow the free rotation of the arm component in the open position. Post guide members are adjustably secured to at least one arm component. An axially joined tubing guide extends outward and upward terminating in a looped enclosure. An upper retaining bar is detachably connected upon a coil with a tensioned retainer.

Abstract: A bobbin for receiving a yarn store comprising a winding zone for the yarn and a standing area for the bobbin is described. Here, the winding zone is embodied as conical and the standing area is provided with at least one retaining element for fixing the yarn end.

Abstract: A conduit uncoiler assembly provides a mast carried by a base. The mast includes a central post carrying a plurality of radially extending support arms that support the bottom or base of the coiled conduit. Each support arm carries a radially extending retaining arm for supporting the inner diameter of the coil. The mast also carries at least one guide bar that continuously and automatically supports the top surface of the coil as the conduit is unwound. The system provides and maintains support to the bottom, top, and inner circumference of the coil as the conduit is unwound.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible, readily repairable, minimum thickness reel for cable, conduit, tubing or the like and the components of which are preferably molded of synthetic resin material. The end flanges of the reel each have a flat inner surface and a cellular outer surface for decreased weight. Molded, foldable ribbed tubing support units are interposed between the inner surfaces of the end flanges for receiving and supporting cable, conduit or tubing wound therearound when the support units are extended. The planar, inner surfaces of the end flanges have recesses for complementally receiving the rib portions of the leg segments of respective support units so that when the reel is in its collapsed condition the reel is not substantially thicker than the combined thickness of the side by side end flanges.

Abstract: A reel for use with flaccid material, such as cables, conduits or the like, includes flanges that are connected together by an adjustable hub. The hub is formed of a plurality of crossbeams that are releasably connected to the flanges whereby the reel can be disassembled for shipping and/or storage and re-assembled in a wide variety of configurations to have a variety of hub dimensions and a variety of compartments.

Abstract: A device for spooling flexible tubular pipe comprising at least one spooling wheel comprising a hub and spokes extending from the hub in a radial plane, wherein the spokes are articulated to the hub so that they can be folded towards the axis of the hub. The spokes may have several fold up articulations along their lengths.