Abstract: A collapsible reel having a high strength to weight ratio is provided. The collapsible reel comprises a core, around which a flexible media is wound, and flanges which prevent the wound flexible media from migrating axially off of the core. The core is formed of first and second blanks having hub portions and a plurality of spaced apart tabs projecting from the hub portions. To form the core, the tabs of each blank are folded and the tabs of the first blank are secured to the corresponding tabs of the second blank. The flanges are then adhered to the outer surface of the hub portions.

Abstract: A breakdown spool is provided having a barrel and at least one flange formed separate from the barrel. The barrel has an insertion end that includes an annular ring spaced from the axial end and projected radially from the barrel winding surface. The flange includes a receiving channel for receiving the insertion end of the barrel to form the completed spool. The receiving channel includes a first portion for receipt of the end of the barrel and a second portion for receiving the annular ring. The second portion is recessed within the support surface such that the annular ring aligns with the support surface on the flange. A locking mechanism is provided for axially securing the insertion section of the barrel within the receiving channel of the flange.

Abstract: A spool assembly has a central cylindrical barrel or tube portion formed from a substantially rectangular planar material, such as thin-gauge sheet aluminum or tin-plated steel, with beveled corners. The formation of the barrel from the substantially rectangular planar material results in a seam with shallow V-notches of the seams at the opposite ends of the barrel. A circular flange sub assembly is attached to each end of the barrel and extends radially outwardly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Each flange sub assembly comprises an outer flange and an inner flange core joined by an annular ring or curl that defines a circular hub recess or cavity for receiving the respective end of the barrel. A portion of the seam at the end of the barrel is secured within the circular hub recess or cavity; whereby the flanges are keyed onto the ends of the barrel, thereby preventing circumferential slippage of the flanges on the barrel.

Abstract: A wire winding spool, comprising a tubular body for supporting a coil of wire provided, at its ends, with wall elements for containing the coil, at least one of the wall elements being provided with at least one pin for engaging means for turning the spool, each wall element being associated with the corresponding end of the tubular body so as to rest against an abutment provided on the outer surface of the wall of the body, clamped against it by a fold of the end portion of the wall.

Abstract: A spool assembly has a central cylindrical barrel or tube portion formed from a substantially rectangular planar material, such as thin-gauge sheet aluminum or tin-plated steel, with beveled corners. The formation of the barrel from the substantially rectangular planar material results in a seam with shallow V-notches of the seams at the opposite ends of the barrel. A circular flange sub assembly is attached to each end of the barrel and extends radially outwardly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Each flange sub assembly comprises an outer flange and an inner flange core joined by an annular ring or curl that defines a circular hub recess or cavity for receiving the respective end of the barrel. A portion of the seam at the end of the barrel is secured within the circular hub recess or cavity; whereby the flanges are keyed onto the ends of the barrel, thereby preventing circumferential slippage of the flanges on the barrel.

Abstract: A spool for a supply of printing material includes a first part having a shaft on which the supply of printing material is mountable, and a second part having an opening and being arranged to retain the supply of printing material mounted on the first part. The opening is arranged to engage the shaft. One or the other of the opening and the shaft is resilient and the other of the opening and the shaft has at least one part which extends towards the said one of said opening and the shaft more than at least one other part thereof to thereby cause the second part having the opening to engage with the shaft.

Abstract: A pair of flanges (12, 12) which have through-holes (17) for a rotating shaft, and a shaft part which connects the central parts of these flanges (12, 12) at a specified spacing, are formed from cardboard plates; furthermore, the above-mentioned shaft part is formed so that this shaft part is foldable. For example, flaps (13) which extend in the radial direction, and which have base ends (13a) on the side of the central part of the corresponding flange (12) are formed by stamping in each of the pair of flanges (12, 12) and slits (14) which extend in the circumferential direction of each flange (12) are formed on a circle that is concentric with the flange (12), and which includes the base ends (13a) of the flaps (13). The flaps (13) of the respective flanges (12) are pulled into upright positions, and the projecting parts (13b) of the flaps (13) of one of the flanges (12) are inserted into the slits (14) of the other flange (12), thus fastening the flanges (12) to each other, so that a reel (11) is formed.

Abstract: A pair of flanges (12, 12) which have through-holes (17) for a rotating shaft, and a shaft part which connects the central parts of these flanges (12, 12) at a specified spacing, are formed from cardboard plates; furthermore, the above-mentioned shaft part is formed so that this shaft part is foldable. For example, flaps (13) which extend in the radial direction, and which have base ends (13a) on the side of the central part of the corresponding flange (12) are formed by stamping in each of the pair of flanges (12, 12) and slits (14) which extend in the circumferential direction of each flange (12) are formed on a circle that is concentric with the flange (12), and which includes the base ends (13a) of the flaps (13). The flaps (13) of the respective flanges (12) are pulled into upright positions, and the projecting parts (13b) of the flaps (13) of one of the flanges (12) are inserted into the slits (14) of the other flange (12), thus fastening the flanges (12) to each other, so that a reel (11) is formed.

Abstract: A high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. Formed metal curls formed of metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs secure the cylindrical barrel to the flanges and flange hubs. The spool includes a plurality of detents in the tightened curls of the spool. The detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel. The ability to transfer torque increases the applicability of the spool to wire winding and pulling functions. Flattening paste also covers a metal surface in the curl to increase the coefficient of friction therein and further increase the torque transmissibility capacity.