A flange for use on a reel, a flange adapter, and a flange stand are provided. The flange may include an outer circumference, a hub assembly, and an arbor hole adapter that is adapted to engage an arbor hole to secure the flange to the reel. The arbor hole adapter may include an expandable portion that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. First and second expansion plates may be coupled to the arbor hole adapter and connected by shoulder bolts that guide movement of the plates between an abutting configuration and a spaced-apart configuration, allowing movement of the expandable portion relative to the reel for modified engagement. The flange stand may include a base, a support portion, and a coupler for engaging a central extension of the flange to allow the flange to be supported in an upright position.

The present invention discloses various aspects of a cable reel trailer that uses the automotive force of a tractor or truck used to transport the trailer, a method of making same, and a method of using. The inclusion of a pivotally connected tongue that is pivotally connected to the main frame of the trailer overcomes many of the aforementioned problems with the prior art because there is no motor or hydraulic system necessary for lifting the cable reel securely on to the trailer. In accordance with the present invention, the towing automotive force, such as a truck, tractor or any other hauling vehicle, provides all the power for lifting the cable reel, rather than requiring a separate power source on the trailer for doing the heavy lifting. By locking up the wheel on the trailer with a wheel stop, the forward movement provided by a towing truck can concentrate on lifting the cable reel instead of moving the trailer forward. This means that no separate on-board power is needed for lifting the cable reel.

A capstan includes a lift motor, a flexible lifting member, and a tether assembly. The lift motor is operatively connected to a shaft. The flexible lifting member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the shaft. The flexible lifting member connects a lift assembly to the lift motor via the shaft. The tether assembly includes a switch arranged between a portion of the flexible lifting member and a portion of the capstan. The second end is connected to the tether assembly. The switch acts as a safety in case of a broken flexible lifting member and allows for an automated unloading cycle.

A cable reel that has at least one support frame having an outwardly extending braking gear member, the outwardly extending gear member being located off-center on the frame; a first flange having a central opening and a first hub portion surrounding the central opening, the central opening having an internal braking gear member engaging the outwardly extending gear member of the frame, thereby rotatably coupling the at least one support frame and the first flange; and a second flange opposing the first flange, the second flange having a second hub portion, the first and second hub portions being configured to mate with one another to support cable, wherein the engagement of the gear members providing a friction for cable payoff.

A method of installing cable on a cable reel that has the steps of providing a cable reel that includes first and second opposing flanges, the first flange having a first hub portion and the second flange having a second hub portion, the first hub portion being longer than the second hub portion, the first hub portion having a plurality of flexible segments; placing a cable coil over the first hub portion and on the first flange so that the first hub portion extends through the cable coil; and inserting the second hub portion inside of the first hub portion, thereby expanding the flexible segments so that flexible segments engage the cable coil.

A pair of flanges attachable to the arbor hole of a reel is disclosed. The flanges provide a mechanism to allow the reel to be easily loaded, and lifted into place. Once loaded into place, the flanges may include a locking mechanism that locks the reel in place, centered on the flanges. Additionally, the flanges are attachable using a hub that allows them to rotate independently from one another, and from the reel to which they are attached.

A pair of flanges attachable to the arbor hole of a reel is disclosed. The flanges provide a mechanism to allow the reel to be easily loaded, and lifted into place. Once loaded into place, the flanges may include a locking mechanism that locks the reel in place, centered on the flanges. Additionally, the flanges are attachable using a hub that allows them to rotate independently from one another, and from the reel to which they are attached.

A pair of flanges attachable to the arbor hole of a reel is disclosed. The flanges provide a mechanism to allow the reel to be easily loaded, and lifted into place. Once loaded into place, the flanges may include a locking mechanism that locks the reel in place, centered on the flanges. Additionally, the flanges are attachable using a hub that allows them to rotate independently from one another, and from the reel to which they are attached.

A cable reel that has first and second opposing flanges. The first flange has a first hub portion and the second flange has a second hub portion. The first and second hub portions are axial aligned and configured to mate with one another to support cable. The first hub portion includes an elongated wall extends from the first flange. The elongated wall is sized to support cable. The elongated wall defines an inner area that is configured to accept the second hub portion. The elongated wall includes a plurality of flexible segments. The second hub portion includes a truncated wall that is receivable in the inner area of the first hub portion. The truncated wall includes a tapered outer surface for engaging and expanding the plurality of flexible segments.

A method of installing cable on a cable reel that has the steps of providing a cable reel that includes first and second opposing flanges, the first flange having a first hub portion and the second flange having a second hub portion, the first hub portion being longer than the second hub portion, the first hub portion having a plurality of flexible segments; placing a cable coil over the first hub portion and on the first flange so that the first hub portion extends through the cable coil; and inserting the second hub portion inside of the first hub portion, thereby expanding the flexible segments so that flexible segments engage the cable coil.