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.

A machine for distributing insulation material from a package of compressed insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and outlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the package of compressed insulation material. The chute further has a removable hose hub configured for wrapping with a distribution hose. The removable hose hub is further configured for engagement with opposing flange assemblies such that rotation of the hose hub results in rotation of the flange assemblies. A lower unit is configured to receive the compressed insulation material exiting the outlet end of the chute. The lower unit includes a plurality of shredders and a discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism is configured to discharge conditioned insulation material into an airstream.

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.

An expandable spool includes a first hub extending from a first flange and includes a first plurality of interlocking portions. A second hub extending from a second flange includes a second plurality of interlocking portions that is connectible to the first plurality of interlocking portions to define a spacing between the first flange and the second flange for holding material on the spool.

A cable reel that has at least one support frame having an outwardly extending braking gear member and a first flange having a central opening with 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. A hub is provided between the first flange and a second flange that opposes the first flange. The hub is configured to support cable, wherein the engagement of the gear members provides friction for cable payoff from the hub.

A cable spool includes first and second curved flanges extending radially outwardly from first and second axial ends of a drum. The flanges have outer edges that cooperate to define an annular slot providing access to a passageway surrounding the drum. The slot has a width that is less than half the height of the drum. A cable is wrapped around the drum. A closure having an environmentally sealed interior may receive an end of the cable. A second cable can be deployed from a second spool and coupled to the end of the cable within the closure. The second spool can be mounted with the cable spool. A cover can be placed over the spools for aesthetic or protection reasons.

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 where the first flange has a first hub portion and the second flange having a second hub portion and the first hub portion has one or more flexible segments; placing a cable coil over the first hub portion and on the first flange so that the first hub portion substantially extends through an inner diameter of the cable coil; and expanding the one or more flexible segments by inserting the second hub portion inside of the first hub portion so that the one or more flexible segments engage the cable coil.

A core member is provided for storing shrink film. The core member includes a plurality of rollers, each having a disc and a core extending upwardly from the disc. The plurality of rollers are aligned longitudinally along an axis and laterally along a plane. The plurality of rollers are rotatable to wind the shrink film about the rollers.