Storage and transport device for flexible material and method of making same

Abstract

A storage and transport device for flexible material that allows for easy assembly by an individual, wherein the device includes a cylindrical core made of two identical tube portions which include several locking mechanism to join the tube portions, and a first flange connected to the top of the cylindrical core and a second flange connected to the bottom of the cylindrical core, wherein flexible material is wound or unwound around the core.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to the field of material storage and to storage devices used for storage and transport of flexible materials, particularly cable, rope, hoses, wire or cord. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Reels and similar devices comprise primarily a spool upon which flexible materials may be wound and stored or transported. The stored material is normally flexible enough to allow it to be wound around the spool. The addition of flanges attached to both ends of the spool prevents the material from falling off the edge of the spool, as well as aides in winding the material in the most efficient manner possible. [0005] The need for spools is quite great, and a variety of materials are stored and subsequently transported on spools. Cables, ropes, hoses and wire are just a few examples of the materials, mechanisms and systems that benefit from the use of spools and similar storage devic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The present invention, as described further herein, imparts a novel storage and transport device for flexible material which encompasses the advantages of other flexible storage devices, but allows for on-site assembly by an individual, and also includes adjustable components to accommodate varying sizes of flexible material. The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Therefore, what is required is a flexible material storage device that can be assembled quickly and easily by the end user.

Problems solved by technology

Not surprisingly, reel manufacturing is limited by geographies and considering as fully constructed reels are extremely bulky, and there is no simple solution for long distance shipping within most businesses.

In addition, companies that use reels typically do not assemble their own reels due to the number of variables and components required to manufacture customized reels.

Images