Reel with rolled core

A reel for retaining wound flexible media, comprising:

• a core having a substantially rectangular main body having opposing first and second axially extending edges and opposing first and second end edges extending between the first and second axially extending edges, a first set of interlocking teeth on the first axially extending edge, a first set of first connecting tabs on the first end edge, the main body configured to be deformed or rolled into a cylinder in which the first set of interlocking teeth engage connecting features of the second axially extending edge;
• a first flange having an annulus and at least one axially extending rib or rim, the annulus including receptacles for receiving and operably coupling to the first set of connecting tabs to axially retain a first side of the annulus on the core while an end point of each of the first set of connecting tabs stands proud of a second side of the annulus;
• and
• a second flange coupled to the core.

A reel for retaining wound flexible media, comprising:

• a core having a substantially rectangular main body having opposing first and second axially extending edges and opposing first and second end edges extending between the first and second axially extending edges, a first set of interlocking teeth on the first axially extending edge, a first set of first connecting tabs on the first end edge, the main body configured to be deformed or rolled into a cylinder in which the first set of interlocking teeth engage connecting features of the second axially extending edge;
• a first flange having an annulus and at least one rib or rim, the annulus including receptacles that receive and operably couple to the first set of connecting tabs such that at least a portion of the annulus disposed between the first end edge and at least one of the first set of connecting tabs;
• and
• a second flange coupled to the core.