A spool is transitionable between an operable (i.e., cable ready) state and a stowed (i.e., return ready) state. In the operable state, the spool is configured to receive and hold a coil of cable. In the stowed state, the spool has a reduced three-dimensional footprint compared to the operable state, thereby facilitating storage and return of the spools. The spool can be releasably locked in the operable state. When the lock is released, the spool can be freely transitioned between both states to facilitate reuse of the spool.

The invention refers to a spool (10) for supporting a filament (90), comprising a first flange (21), a second flange (22) and a connector (30), the connector (30) connecting the first flange (21) and the second flange (22) and defining a winding surface (40) for winding the filament (90) about a winding axis (X). Thereat, a plurality of openings (33) is provided in the connector (30), the openings (33) running in radial direction (R). The invention also refers to a filament spool (80), comprising a spool (10) according to the invention and a filament (90), in particular a thermoplastic filament (90) for use in a 3D printer, the filament (90) being winded thereon.

A spool, presented herein, is comprising a proximal side including a central opening about a rotation axis thereof, a distal side including a central opening about the rotation axis thereof, the proximal side and the distal side being assembled together with alignment of the rotation axis thereof, an axial slot radially extending from the central opening and a recessed portion communicating with the central opening, the recessed portion extending between the axial slot and a locking member receiver. A method of using same and a mechanism to engage lock and actuate the spool is also presented therein.

A two piece winding core assembly is provided having a first core portion and a second core portion. The two core portions having the same construction and are positionable to combine together to form a completed cylindrical and hollow core. The two core portions having a series of locking pins and a corresponding series of receiving openings formed on opposing end faces. A series of axially elongated projections and a corresponding series of axially elongated channels are also formed on the opposing end faces of the core portions. An internal plurality of web members is formed in a structural crossing pattern on the inside surface of the core portion, with the web members providing structural rigidity to the core portions.

A spool is transitionable between an operable (i.e., cable ready) state and a stowed (i.e., return ready) state. In the operable state, the spool is configured to receive and hold a coil of cable. In the stowed state, the spool has a reduced three-dimensional footprint compared to the operable state, thereby facilitating storage and return of the spools. The spool can be releasably locked in the operable state. When the lock is released, the spool can be freely transitioned between both states to facilitate reuse of the spool.

A spool for winding strand-shaped material having flange discs (22, 24) with an outer flange surface and an inner flange surface (21, 23) as well as a method for manufacturing the spool. The discs have a central through bore (30) that is surrounded by an annular recess (25) with an annular wall (26) positioned in the inner flange surface. A tubular spool core (10) has front surfaces which are connected in a materially bonded manner to the annular wall (26) inside the annular recess (25) of the flange discs (22, 24), wherein at least one channel (32) is provided next to the annular wall (26) inside the annular recess (25) for receiving liquefied connection material. The spool core (10) has approximately the same diameter as the annular wall (26) inside the annular recess (25).

A rebar tie wire reel (110) for a reinforcing bar binding machine has a first flange (118), a second flange (120) spaced from the first flange, a hub connecting the first and second flanges and a wire (124) wound around the hub. The first flange (118) has an outwardly facing major face (134) and an outer periphery. The outer periphery is defined by a plurality of edges (170, 172, 174, 176). The plurality edges include a first edge (170) and a second edge (172) that are configured such that, in use, an amount of rotation of the rebar tie wire reel can be determined using signals provided by a movable element of a contact sensor when during rotation of the wire reel, the first edge, major face and the second edge successively travel past the movable element.

A two piece winding core assembly is provided having a first core portion and a second core portion. The two core portions having the same construction and are positionable to combine together to form a completed cylindrical and hollow core. The two core portions having a series of locking pins and a corresponding series of receiving openings formed on opposing end faces. A series of axially elongated projections and a corresponding series of axially elongated channels are also formed on the opposing end faces of the core portions. An internal plurality of web members is formed in a structural crossing pattern on the inside surface of the core portion, with the web members providing structural rigidity to the core portions.

The present invention relates to a cable spool arrangement for use in automated cable winding applications, said cable spool arrangement comprising a first core half and a second core half, each one of the first and second core halves comprising an outer wall having a conical section, wherein each one of said first core half and said second core half comprises a connecting arrangement configured to connect said first core half and said second core half together, and comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess. The present invention also relates to a stackable cable spool half.

A two piece winding core assembly is provided having a first core portion and a second core portion. The two core portions having the same construction and are positionable to combine together to form a completed cylindrical and hollow core. The two core portions having a series of locking pins and a corresponding series of receiving openings formed on opposing end faces. A series of axially elongated projections and a corresponding series of axially elongated channels are also formed on the opposing end faces of the core portions. An internal plurality of web members is formed in a structural crossing pattern on the inside surface of the core portion, with the web members providing structural rigidity to the core portions.