Cable Reel Holder

Abstract

A cable reel holder ( 1 ) for use with a cable reel ( 13 ) having a hollow cable spool ( 14 ). The holder comprises a head unit and a base unit ( 2 ) which are releasably connectable via a spindle ( 5, 10 ) upon which, in use, the cable spool ( 14 ) is mounted. Tho spindle is comprised of a first member defined by the base unit and a second member defined by the head unit, with the first member being releasably connectable to the second member. The first and second members are releasably connectable by a screw connection ( 6, 11 ). The spindle is preferably upright during use of the holder. The screw connection between the first and second members is preferably arranged such that, as cable is drawn from a cable reel mounted on the spindle, the screw connection is caused to tighten.

1 . A cable reel holder for use with a cable reel having a hollow cable spool, said holder comprising a head unit and a base unit which are releasably connectable via a spindle upon which, in use, said cable spool is mounted, said spindle being comprised of a first member defined by said base unit and a second member defined by said head unit, said first member being releasably connectable to said second member, wherein said first and second members define complementary first and second threaded regions respectively such that said first and second members are releasably connectable by a screw connection. 
   
   
       2 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein, in use, said spindle is substantially upright. 
   
   
       3 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said first and second members defines a bore for receipt of at least a part of the other of said members. 
   
   
       4 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said first threaded region is defined by an outer surface of said first member and said second threaded region is defined by an inner surface of said second member. 
   
   
       5 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said complementary threaded portions are configured such that, in use, drawing cable from said cable reel when mounted on said spindle causes said screw connection to tighten. 
   
   
       6 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said base and head units define respective first and second generally parallel surfaces between which said cable reel is to be located. 
   
   
       7 . A holder according to  claim 6 , wherein, in use, said first and second surfaces are substantially horizontal. 
   
   
       8 . A holder according to  claim 6 , wherein at least one of said first and second surfaces has a larger diameter than a diameter of a flange forming part of said cable reel. 
   
   
       9 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said base unit has a greater mass than said head unit. 
   
   
       10 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said head unit defines a formation adapted for engagement by a hand of a user. 
   
   
       11 . A holder according to  claim 10 , wherein said formation comprises at least one annular projection. 
   
   
       12 . A holder according to  claim 10 , wherein said formation comprises a plurality of concentric annular projections. 
   
   
       13 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said head and base units is formed from a plastics material. 
   
   
       14 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said first member is formed integrally with said base unit. 
   
   
       15 . A holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said second member is formed integrally with said head unit. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A kit of parts to be assembled to provide a cable reel holder for use with a cable reel having a hollow cable spool, said holder comprising a head unit and a base unit which are releasably connectable via a spindle upon which, in use, said cable spool is mounted, said spindle being comprised of a first member defined by said base unit and a second member defined by said head unit, said first member being releasably connectable to said second member, wherein said first and second members define complementary first and second threaded regions respectively such that said first and second members are releasably connectable by a screw connection. 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A cable reel assembly comprising a cable reel having a hollow cable spool mounted on a cable reel holder according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . A kit of parts to be assembled to provide a cable reel assembly comprising a cable reel having a hollow cable spool mounted on a cable reel holder according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       22 . (canceled)