An apparatus for installing cable that includes an outer box. Some embodiments include a reel, the cable, multiple components for installing the cable, and an inner packaging component that holds the components. Some embodiments include tie holes (e.g., two that line up) for passage of a zip tie for attachment of the apparatus to an identical box or anchoring object when pulling the cable. Boxes may include a left side with side flaps connected to front and back sides and cable holes in each flap line up when the box is assembled for passage of cable from the apparatus. The reel may be loose inside the box, which acts as a brake to keep the reel from over spinning when (e.g., communications) cable is pulled. Some outer boxes include certain sides, bends, flaps, tabs, or slots. The inner packaging component may be held in position by an elongated member.

Methods of installing a cable reel or a coil of cable in a bag. The methods can include one or more steps such as releasably coupling a hub portion of a first flange with a second flange of the cable reel, and the hub portion is configured to support a coil of cable, placing the first flange on a first support frame secured to a base of the bag; and placing a coil of cable on the hub portion for dispensing the cable from the bag.

A kit of separate components for assembly of a cable reel apparatus that includes a pre-wound coil of cable, a bag, first and second frames having a geometry configured to fit inside of the base of the bag, and first and second flanges. The first flange is configured for engaging the first frame and has a first hub portion on the inner surface of the first flange. The second flange is configured for engaging the second frame has a second hub portion on the inner surface of the second flange. The first and second hub portions are sized to fit within the inner diameter of the coil of cable and are configured to releasably couple with one another to form a hub member for supporting the coil of cable between the first and second flanges.

A cable payout apparatus that comprises a bag with a payout opening for dispensing cable, and first and second frames inside the bag. A first flange is configured to be rotatably coupled to the first frame. A second flange is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second frame. An elongated wall extends from the first flange and releasably couples to the second flange for supporting a coil of cable between the first and second flanges. The first frame is positioned in the base of the bag and the second frame is positioned at the cover of the bag, such that when the cover of the bag is closed with respect to the base of the bag, the second frame releasably couples with the second flange and such that when the cover of the bag is opened, the second frame decouples from the second flange.

The present invention provides a mechanical packing conversion apparatus integrating packaging, measuring, cutting and protecting functions, comprising a box, a measuring scale and a cutting mechanism. An upper cover of the box of the apparatus and a side plate connected to the upper cover can be overturned and opened from side faces, and the cutting mechanism is disposed on a sidewall in the box; the cutting mechanism comprises a head and a base, the head being fixed to the base, a handle, a transmission member and a blade all successively connected being disposed in the head; a through hole is formed at a bottom end of the head, and the blade is placed vertically above the through hole and is communicated with the through hole; a groove configured to receive the measuring scale is provided at a bottom end of the base; and the measuring scale is fixed to the bottom inside the box.

A reel handler system includes a first arm and a second arm. A first member is coupled to the first arm and a second member is coupled to the second arm. A sleeve has the members movably positioned therein. A first bracket has a first link coupled to the first arm and a second link coupled to the sleeve. The links are pivotable relative to one another. A second bracket has a third link coupled to the second arm and a fourth link coupled to the sleeve. The third and fourth links are pivotable relative to one another. The brackets are movable to increase and decrease a distance between the arms from a first configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a first distance apart from the sleeve and a second configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a second distance apart from the sleeve.

An edge tape cassette for receiving edge tapes comprising a cassette housing, in which a winding core is arranged, which fixedly holds an edge tape that is existent as a container in the form of a wound-up roll. Furthermore, the edge tape cassette additionally has a receiving element, which is rotatable mounted in the edge tape cassette, and to which the winding core is attached, in particular in a detachable manner.

A collar retention system is provided that can be used in connection with a packaging device for dispensing elongated flexible material. Some systems can include one or more of retention collars, retention rings, or an elongated rotatable member around which primary collars can be located that can support the primary collars for resisting outward pressure thereon from the elongated flexible material or to prevent the primary collars from shifting lengthwise along the elongated rotatable member away from a lengthwise center of the elongated rotatable member and towards lengthwise opposing ends of the elongated rotatable member.

A method of installing a coil of cable in a bag, that includes the steps of placing a coil of cable on a first hub of a first flange of the cable reel; placing a second flange of the cable reel, that is separable from the first flange, opposite from the first flange to hold the coil of cable on the first hub of the first flange; positioning the first flange on or next to a first support frame received in the bag; and placing the second flange on or next to a second support frame received in the bag. The second support frame is positioned in the bag such that the first flange, the coil of cable and the second flange are located between the first support frame and the second support frame.

A cable caddy with a portable housing stores cable reels. Each reel includes a drum coupled to end caps. Plugs inserted in the end caps are irrotatable with respect to the housing and rotatable with respect to the drum. During transport reels are stacked vertically atop one another with a plug of a first reel inserted in a plug of a second reel.