Collapsible, re-useable spool
AssigneeCommScope Technologies LLC
InventorsJonathan R. Kaml, Michael J. Schomisch, James J. Brandt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
A spool assembly comprising:
- a drum extending along a rotation axis between a first end and a second end;
- a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first end of the drum;
- a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second end of the drum;
- the drum being repeatedly configurable between a use configuration and a stowed configuration, the second end being spaced from the first end by a first distance when the drum is arranged in the use configuration, the second end being spaced from the first end by a second distance when the drum is arranged in the stowed configuration, the second distance being shorter than the first distance;
- and
- a locking arrangement that releasably locks the drum in the use position, the locking arrangement having an actuator that rotates relative to the first flange.
A spool assembly comprising:
- a drum extending along a rotation axis between a first end and a second end;
- a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first end of the drum;
- a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second end of the drum;
- the drum being repeatedly configurable between a use configuration and a stowed configuration, the second end being spaced from the first end by a first distance when the drum is arranged in the use configuration, the second end being spaced from the first end by a second distance when the drum is arranged in the stowed configuration, the second distance being shorter than the first distance;
- and
- a locking arrangement that releasably locks the drum in the use position, the locking arrangement being mounted at the first flange and at the second flange, the locking arrangement being movable relative to the first and second flanges.
A spool assembly comprising:
- a spool extending along a height between a first axial end and a second axial end, the spool including a plurality of staves that cooperate to provide an at least substantially continuous winding surface when the spool is in a use configuration, each stave defining a retention member;
- and
- a locking arrangement disposed on the spool, the locking arrangement holding the spool in the use configuration in which the spool defines the at least substantially continuous winding surface, the locking arrangement being releasable to enable the spool to transition to a stowed configuration in which the spool does not define the at least substantially continuous winding surface, the locking arrangement including a first ring having a plurality of locking members disposed about a circumference of the first ring;
- each locking member being sized to fit within the retention member of one of the staves.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.