Reel frames for remote video inspection systems

Abstract

A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the upper support member is in the working position. The upper support member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device thereon.

1 . A frame assembly for a cable reel comprising:
 a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum; and   an upper support member attached to the lower support frame and supporting at least one planar platform member.   
     
     
         2 . The frame assembly of  claim 1  wherein the upper support member is movable between a stowed position and a working position. 
     
     
         3 . The frame assembly of  claim 2  wherein the upper support member is disposed at a side of the drum when in the stowed position and above the drum when in the working position. 
     
     
         4 . The frame assembly of  claim 1  wherein the upper support member is configured to function as at least one of a seat, a work platform, and a drawer. 
     
     
         5 . The frame assembly of  claim 1  wherein the upper support member includes a first member and a second member, which define a space therebetween. 
     
     
         6 . The frame assembly of  claim 5  wherein the first member is configured as a seat and the second member is configured as a work platform. 
     
     
         7 . The frame assembly of  claim 5  wherein the lower support frame includes a handle extending through the space. 
     
     
         8 . The frame assembly of  claim 5  wherein the lower support frame includes a pair of legs on each side of the drum, and a bridge member connecting the pairs of the legs. 
     
     
         9 . The frame assembly of  claim 8  wherein each pair of legs define an inverted V shape. 
     
     
         10 . The frame assembly of  claim 8  wherein the bridge member defines a U shape. 
     
     
         11 . The frame assembly of  claim 8  wherein the upper support member further comprises a connecting member disposed between the first member and the second member and connecting the upper support member to the lower support frame. 
     
     
         12 . The frame assembly of  claim 1  wherein the upper support member is a single-piece component. 
     
     
         13 . The frame assembly of  claim 12  wherein the upper support member defines an opening to enable a portion of the lower support frame to extend through. 
     
     
         14 . The frame assembly of  claim 1  further comprising an auxiliary support bracket disposed on a side of the lower support frame for engaging a mounting feature of a device. 
     
     
         15 . The frame assembly of  claim 14  wherein the auxiliary support bracket includes a central mounting portion mounted to the lower support frame, and a pair of flanges at sides of the central mounting portion, the flanges each defining a channel for receiving the mounting feature of the device. 
     
     
         16 . A frame assembly for a cable reel comprising:
 a first leg assembly;   a second leg assembly spaced from the first leg assembly along a direction parallel to a central axis of the cable reel;   a bridge member disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;   a shaft extending between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly for rotatably supporting a drum between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;   an upper support member movable between a working position and a stowed position and comprising
 a first member defining a first planar top surface, 
 a second member defining a second planar top surface, and 
 at least one connecting member disposed between the first member and the second member and foldably connecting the upper support member to the bridge member, 
 wherein the upper support member is disposed above the drum when in the working position and is at a side of the drum when in the stowed position. 
   
     
     
         17 . A cable reel comprising:
 a drum;   a lower support frame for rotatably supporting the drum; and   an upper support member mounted to the lower support frame and supporting at least one planar platform member.   
     
     
         18 . The cable reel of  claim 17  wherein the upper support member is foldably mounted to the lower support frame and movable between a working position and a stowed position. 
     
     
         19 . The cable reel of  claim 18  wherein the upper support member is disposed above the drum when in the working position and is disposed at a side of the drum when in the stowed position. 
     
     
         20 . The cable reel of  claim 18  wherein the lower support frame includes a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly and a bridge member disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly. 
     
     
         21 . The cable reel of  claim 20 , wherein the upper support member is mounted to the bridge member. 
     
     
         22 . The cable reel of  claim 21  wherein the upper support member includes at least one plate member. 
     
     
         23 . The cable reel of  claim 21  wherein the upper support member includes a first member and a second member which define a space therebetween, wherein the bridge member extends through the space. 
     
     
         24 . The cable reel of  claim 23  wherein the first member is configured as a folding seat and the second member is configured as a platform. 
     
     
         25 . The cable reel of  claim 24  wherein the second member further includes a drawer.