Reeling apparatus

Abstract

A reeling apparatus may be provided in the form of a kit. The kit may include parts that permit the reeling apparatus to be shipped in a broken down, and therefore relatively compact condition. The kit may include cheek plates (or sideframes), and a set of elements that may be combined to form a substantially cylindrical hub. The sections of the hub may be of a size to nest, or partially nest, within the central passage of the cheek plates. The kit may fit together in a snap fit manner.

1 . A kit, on assembly said kit forming a reeling apparatus, said kit comprising first and second cheek plates, and an array of co-operable members, said array of co-operable members being mountable to and between said cheek plates to define a hub of the reeling apparatus. 
   
   
       2 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said array of co-operable members includes a set of sectoral members defining a substantially closed periphery. 
   
   
       3 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said array of co-operable members includes a set of sectoral members that co-operate on assembly to form a circular cylindrical hub wall. 
   
   
       4 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said first and second cheek plates are identical. 
   
   
       5 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said array of co-operable members comprises a set of identical pieces. 
   
   
       6 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said array of co-operable members consists of a set of identical parts. 
   
   
       7 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said kit includes only two parts types. 
   
   
       8 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said co-operable members includes an anchor fitting to which an end of an object to be reeled may be secured. 
   
   
       9 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said cheek plates each have an inner radius, and the footprint of at least one of the members of the array of co-operable members has a footprint that is circumscribed by said inner radius. 
   
   
       10 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said co-operable members has an overall height that is less than 5 times the through thickness of one of the cheek plates. 
   
   
       11 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said cheek plates have an inner radius and an out-of-plane flange extending axially adjacent to said inner radius. 
   
   
       12 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein said cheek plates and said members of said array of co-operating members have mutually engageable fittings by which said kit fits together. 
   
   
       13 . The kit of  claim 12  wherein said mutually engageable fittings engage in a snap fit. 
   
   
       14 . The kit of  claim 12  wherein said mutually engageable fittings include female fittings on said cheek plates, and male fittings on said co-operable members. 
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 14  wherein said female fittings include an array of apertures, and said male fittings include prongs seatable in said apertures.