Reel having concentric flange supports

Abstract

A reel is provided for the winding and unwinding of wire or the like. The reel includes a cylindrical hub having a pair of flanges, one at each end of the hub. The hub includes an inner cylindrical wall defining a central hollow bore through the center of the reel. An outer cylindrical wall is provided concentrically around the inner wall and forms a barrel surface for the winding of the coiled wire (or the like) thereon. The flanges serve to protect the wire wound on the barrel surface. A frusto-conical or tapered wall is provided at opposite ends of the reel to connect the inner wall of the hub to the radially projecting flange. The frusto-conical wall includes at least one opening or window therein, providing a handle for lifting the reel from a package or carton. The reel may also be provided with a series of concentric cylindrical support ribs within the hollow portion defined by the flanges. Other structural support members may also be provided by the internal structures of the reel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.