Multi-function system for handling fiber optic cable reels at an installation site and method of using same

A cable reel assembly, comprising:

• a fiber optic cable reel;
• and
• a handling system on which the fiber optic cable reel is mounted, the handling system comprising:
• a base body supporting the fiber optic cable reel thereon, the base body including a connection interface for engaging with pallet handling equipment;
• a first roller assembly connected to the base body and engaged with and vertically supporting the fiber optic cable reel;
• and
• a second roller assembly connected to the base body and engaged with and horizontally supporting the fiber optic reel,
• wherein the first roller assembly includes a plurality of first rollers to allow the fiber optic cable reel to rotate relative to the base body to payoff a length of fiber optic cable carried by the fiber optic cable reel for installation along a cable pathway at the installation site
• wherein the second roller assembly includes a plurality of second rollers to guide the rotation of the fiber optic cable reel relative to the base body,
• wherein the second roller assembly includes a plurality of roller elements connected to the base body, and
• wherein each of the plurality of roller elements comprises:
• a respective one of the plurality of second rollers;
• and
• a central axle about which the respective one of the plurality of second rollers rotates.

A method of handling a fiber optic cable reel at an installation site, the fiber optic cable reel being part of a cable reel assembly comprising a handling system and the fiber optic cable reel mounted on the handling system, the method comprising:

• moving the cable reel assembly to an installation location at the installation site using pallet handling equipment, the fiber optic cable reel having a supply of fiber optic cable thereon;
• and
• rotating the fiber optic cable reel relative to the handling system to payoff a length of fiber optic cable on the fiber optic cable reel for installation along a cable pathway at the installation site, wherein the handling system comprises:
• a base body supporting the fiber optic cable reel thereon during the rotating, the base body including a connection interface for engaging with the pallet handling equipment;
• a first roller assembly connected to the base body and engaged with and vertically supporting the fiber optic cable reel;
• and
• a second roller assembly connected to the base body and engaged with and horizontally supporting the fiber optic reel,
• wherein the first roller assembly includes a plurality of first rollers to allow the fiber optic cable reel to rotate relative to the base body to payoff the length of fiber optic cable carried by the fiber optic cable reel for installation along the cable pathway at the installation site,
• wherein the second roller assembly includes a plurality of second rollers to guide the rotation of the fiber optic cable reel relative to the base body,
• wherein the second roller assembly includes a plurality of roller elements connected to the base body, and
• wherein each of the plurality of roller elements comprises:
• a respective one of the plurality of second rollers;
• and
• a central axle about which the respective one of the plurality of second rollers rotates.