Reel assembly

Abstract

Disclosed is a customizable reel assembly comprising a universal base spool and at least one insert adapted to be mounted on the spool. The spool has a cylindrical hub and first and second flanges projecting radially from either end of the hub. The insert is selected based on the desired application of the reel assembly and adds a structural or functional feature to the spool. The insert is selected from a group of inserts that are all mountable on the base spool with each insert of the group having various structural or functional features. Also disclosed is a method of constructing a reel.

1 . A customizable reel assembly comprising:
 a universal base spool having a cylindrical hub, a first flange positioned at a first end of the cylindrical hub and a second flange positioned at a second end of the cylindrical hub, the first and second flanges projecting radially from the hub; and   at least one insert mounted on the universal base spool, the insert adding at least one of a functional or structural feature to the spool, and the insert being selected from a group of inserts having various functional and structural features, based on a desired application of the reel assembly, wherein each insert in the group of inserts is mountable on the base spool.   
   
   
       2 . The reel assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert provides one or more features selected from the group consisting of radial reinforcement ribs, circumferential reinforcement rings, handles, viewing ports, ports adapted to engage handling material, and a central tube defining a central bore. 
   
   
       3 . The reel assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert comprises first and second inserts engaging the first and second flanges respectively. 
   
   
       4 . The reel assembly according the  claim 3 , wherein the first and second inserts are attachable to the base spool. 
   
   
       5 . The reel assembly according the  claim 3 , wherein the first and second inserts are attachable to each other, retaining the base spool therebetween. 
   
   
       6 . The reel assembly according the  claim 1 , the cylindrical hub further comprising an inner portion extending therethrough through between the first and second flanges, the at least one insert extending through the inner portion. 
   
   
       7 . The reel assembly according the  claim 1 , wherein the base spool is independently usable for holding wound material thereon. 
   
   
       8 . The reel assembly according the  claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert is attached to the base spool by overmolding the insert to the base spool. 
   
   
       9 . A reel assembly for holding wound materials thereon, for use in various intended applications each having various functional and structural requirements, the reel assembly comprising:
 a generally cylindrical, hollow base member having first and second opposing ends and first and second flanges extending radially outward from the first and second opposing ends,
 the base member being adapted to accommodate materials wound thereon between the first and second flanges; and 
   at least one supplemental piece adapted to be mounted on the base member, the supplemental piece selected from a plurality of supplemental pieces each providing at least one functional or structural feature, the supplemental pieces within the plurality being structured to be retained on or within the spool and the at least one supplemental piece being selected from the plurality based on the various functional and structural requirements of the intended application;
 the base member and the at least one supplemental piece having engagement means for retaining the selected at least one supplemental piece on the base member. 
   
   
   
       10 . The reel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one functional or structural features are selected from the group consisting of radial reinforcement ribs, circumferential reinforcement rings, handles, viewing ports, ports adapted to engage handling material, and a central tube defining a central bore. 
   
   
       11 . A method of constructing a reel comprising:
 providing a universal base spool, having a generally cylindrical hub and flanges disposed at either end of the hub, and a plurality of inserts having varied strength and functional features;   determining the strength and functionality requirements of the reel;   selecting an insert from the provided plurality for mounting on the base spool; and   mounting the selected insert to the base spool.   
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of mounting a second insert to the base spool 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the insert is adapted to fit within at least a portion of the base spool. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of fixedly attaching the insert to the spool. 
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of mounting a second insert to the spool and attaching the selected insert to the second insert. 
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the base spool is adapted to be used with each insert in the plurality of inserts.