Reels with directly secured flanges
OwnerGerald H. Davis, Gary L. Cox +1inventors
InventorsGerald H. Davis, Gary L. Cox, Chad L. Eversole
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting wound flexible media that includes a first flange, a second flange and a fastener. The second flange may be constructed as an integral, unitary structure. A core around which flexible media is wound is typically disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The first fastener has a first end engaging the first flange and a threaded end that is rotatably secured directly to said second flange.
Claims29
An apparatus for supporting wound flexible media comprising:
- a first flange and a second flange, the second flange constructed as an integral, unitary structure;
- a first fastener, the first fastener having a first end engaging the first flange and a threaded end, the threaded end rotatably secured directly to said second flange.
A flange for use in a reel for supporting wound flexible media, the flange comprising:
- a first surface configured to axially retain wound flexible media on the reel,
- a central structure integrally formed with the first surface and disposed radially inward of the first surface, the central structure including at least one fastener opening, each fastener opening configured to receive and securely engage a threaded end of a fastener.
An apparatus for supporting wound flexible media comprising:
- a first flange, the first flange constructed of a first unitary piece of molded plastic, the first flange including at least a first boss hole;
- a second flange, the second flange constructed of a second unitary piece of molded plastic;
- a core disposed between the first flange and the second flange;
- and
- a first fastener, the first fastener having a first end engaging the first flange and a threaded end, the first end disposed proximate the first boss hole and the threaded end rotatably secured directly to said second flange.
A method of constructing an apparatus for supporting wound flexible media, the method comprising:
- a) disposing a first end of a core against a first flange;
- b) disposing a second flange against a second end of the core;
- c) engaging the first flange with a first fastener, the first fastener including a first end and a threaded end, and securing the threaded end of the first fastener directly to the second flange.
An apparatus for supporting wound flexible media comprising:
- a first flange, the first flange including at least a first fastener opening;
- a second flange, the second flange including at least a second fastener opening;
- a core disposed between the first flange and the second flange;
- and
- an elongate first fastener having a first end and a second end, the elongate first fastener extending through the first opening the core and at least a part of the second opening, and wherein;
- the second flange further includes one or more guiding structures configured to urge the second end of the elongate first fastener toward the second opening responsive to axial components of force moving the second end towards the second flange.
A flange for use in an apparatus for supporting wound flexible media, the flange comprising:
- a first surface configured to axially engage wound flexible media on the reel,
- a central structure disposed radially inward of the first surface, the central structure including at least one fastener retaining feature, each fastener retaining feature including a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening aligned with the first opening and having a second diameter, the first diameter larger than the second diameter, and wherein the second opening is configured to receive and securely engage a threaded end of a fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.