Snap-together reel with reinforcing collar

Abstract

A reel includes a core having a first end region defining a plurality of windows, a first flange configured, in a connected state, to connect to the first end region of the core, and a first collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the first end region of the core and the first flange. The reel further includes a plurality of first latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective window of the plurality of windows so as to connect the first end region of the core to the first flange.

1 . A reel comprising:
 a core having a first end region defining a plurality of windows;   a first flange configured, in a connected state, to connect to the first end region of the core;   a first collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the first end region of the core and the first flange; and   a plurality of first latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective window of the plurality of windows so as to connect the first end region of the core to the first flange.   
     
     
         2 . The reel of  claim 1 , wherein the first flange defines an annular channel configured to axially receive the first end region of the core in the connected state. 
     
     
         3 . The reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the plurality of first latch members are elastically deformable, and   when transitioning from a disconnected state to the connected state, an axial end surface of the first end region of the core engages a curved or angled surface of each of the first latch members so as to cause the plurality of first latch members to elastically deflect in a radial direction to enable each first latch member to engage in the respective window.   
     
     
         4 . The reel of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first latch members are integrally formed with the first flange. 
     
     
         5 . The reel of  claim 4 , wherein the each of the plurality of first latch members comprises:
 a circumferentially extending latch arm that, in the connected state, extends from the first flange into a cavity defined by the first flange; and   a latch portion that, in the connected state, extends radially inwardly from the latch arm and engages in the respective one of the plurality of windows.   
     
     
         6 . The reel of  claim 5 , wherein, when transitioning from a disconnected state to an intermediate state, the core is configured to pass into an annular channel of the first flange such that an axial end surface of the first end region engages an angled or curved surface of the latch portion so as to cause the latch portion to deflect radially and enable the axial end surface to axially pass the latch portion. 
     
     
         7 . The reel of  claim 6 , wherein the first collar comprises a plurality of secondary latches configured, in the connected state, to form a snap-fit connection with the latch arm so as to disable axial movement of the first collar relative to the first flange. 
     
     
         8 . The reel of  claim 7 , wherein, when transitioning from the intermediate state to the connected state, each secondary latch of the plurality of secondary latches has an angled or curved surface that engages the latch arm of an associated one of the plurality of first latch members so as to elastically deform the secondary latch and the associated first latch member to enable the secondary latch to pass the associated first latch member. 
     
     
         9 . The reel of  claim 8 , wherein, in the connected state, the latch arm is radially interposed between the first end region of the core and the secondary latch of the collar. 
     
     
         10 . The reel of  claim 1 , wherein the first latch members are integrally formed with the collar and project axially from an annular rim of the collar. 
     
     
         11 . The reel of  claim 10 , wherein, in the connected state, the first flange is interposed between the annular rim and an axial end surface of the first end region of the core. 
     
     
         12 . The reel of  claim 11 , wherein
 the plurality of first latch members are elastically deformable, and   when transitioning from a disconnected state to the connected state, a curved or angled surface of each of the first latch members engages an axial end surface of the first end region of the core so as to cause the plurality of first latch members to elastically deflect in a radial direction to enable each first latch member to pass the axial end surface and engage in the respective window.   
     
     
         13 . The reel of  claim 12 , wherein the first flange includes at least one angled rib that, in the connected state, radially supports each of the first latch members. 
     
     
         14 . The reel of  claim 13 , wherein each first latch member defines at least one recess in which the at least one angled rib is received. 
     
     
         15 . The reel of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an anti-rotation assembly comprising:
 at least one lug projecting radially and extending axially from one of the core and the first flange, and 
 at least one axially-extending notch defined in the other of the core and the first flange, 
   wherein, in the connected state, the at least one lug is arranged in the at least one axially-extending notch.   
     
     
         16 . The reel of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second flange configured, in the connected state, to connect to a second end region of the core;   a second collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the second end region and the second flange;   and a plurality of second latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective second window of a plurality of second windows defined in the second end region of the core so as to connect the second end region of the core to the second flange.   
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a reel comprising:
 moving an end region of a core into an annular channel of a flange;   engaging, with each latch member of a plurality of latch members, a respective window of a plurality of windows defined in an end region of a core so as to connect the end region to a flange; and   affixing a collar to the end region and the flange.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the engaging of the respective windows with each latch member occurs during the moving of the end region into the annular channel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the engaging of the respective windows with each latch member occurs during the affixing of the collar to the end region and the flange.