Reel/spool with handle and locating/stabilizing bump apparatus and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a reel or spool with a handle and a locating and/or stabilizing bump apparatus and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses a reel or spool having at least one handle and at least one locating and/or stabilizing bump disposed on at least one of the exterior surfaces or flange of the reel or spool. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive reel or spool having at least one handle and at least one locating and/or stabilizing bump.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cable reel comprising:
 (a) a first cylindrical member about which cable can be wound having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior, said first cylindrical member having a plurality of longitudinal tabs along each of peripheral edges of said first cylindrical member;   (b) first and second flanges disposed at opposite ends of said cylindrical member substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said cylindrical member, one of said flanges having an outside surface having at least one opening arranged adjacent the periphery of said one flange through which the cable can be traversed and a second opening in the surface disposed adjacent the center of said one flange and opening into the hollow interior of the cylindrical member, said hollow interior adapted to receive ends of the cable wound on said cylindrical member through the second opening, and further comprising slot means in said first and second flange to securely accommodate and secure each of said longitudinal tabs of said first cylindrical member;   (c) at least one of said first and second flange having at least one locating and stabilizing bump; and   (d) at least one of said first and second flange having at least one handle on said exterior surface of said first and second flange.   
     
     
         2 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cable reel has at least one slot adapted to receive said cable. 
     
     
         3 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said drum member and flanges comprise sheet metal. 
     
     
         4 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said drum member and flanges comprise a plastic material. 
     
     
         5 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one shelf disposed in said hollow interior for supporting ends of said cable in said hollow interior. 
     
     
         6 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one bump means disposed on the outside surface of said one flange. 
     
     
         7 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one bump means disposed on the outside surface of said one flange, and wherein said bump means are spaced equiangularly about said flange. 
     
     
         8 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cable reel is particularly adapted for the storage of one of fiber optic cable, telephone cable, and electrical cable. 
     
     
         9 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said peripheral edge of said one flange is curled. 
     
     
         10 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said handle is formed within the plane of said flange surface to form a flange handle. 
     
     
         11 . The cable reel recited in  claim 1 , wherein said handle is formed within the plane of said flange surface forming a flange handle, and wherein peripheral edge of said flange handle is curled.