Reel Core for Spooling Continuous Substrate or Strand

Abstract

A reel core includes a tubular body with a low resistance to abrasion, open at both ends, with an inner surface and an outer surface. Each of the opposite ends of the tubular body features a groove cut into the inner surface and designed for the push-fit of end protectors for the opposite ends of the tubular body. These end protectors are manufactured from an abrasion-resistant material and feature an inner surface that sits flush with the inner surface of the tubular body. Each end protector has an outer flange that covers the front of the end of the tubular body with an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the tubular body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reel core for rotatably spooling a continuous substrate or continuous strand, the reel core comprising:
 a hollow tubular body composed of a material with a low resistance to abrasion, the tubular body extending axially between a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end,   the tubular body including a central region disposed spaced apart from and between the first and second ends of the tubular body, the central region defining an inner cylindrical surface with a continuous opening having a constant first diameter,   the tubular body defining a first groove extending from the first end to the central region and defining a continuous opening having a constant second diameter,   the tubular body defining a second groove extending from the second end to the central region and defining a continuous opening defined by the constant second diameter;   a first end protector mounted at the first end of the tubular body and defining an interior surface defining a continuous opening with the constant first diameter; and   a second end protector mounted at the second end of the tubular body and defining an interior surface defining a continuous opening with the constant first diameter;   wherein the first end protector includes an outer flange which covers the first end of the tubular body; and   wherein the second end protector includes an outer flange which covers the second end of the tubular body.   
     
     
         2 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body defines an outer surface with a constant diameter, wherein the outer flange of the first end protector defines an exterior surface that is flush with the outer surface of the tubular body. 
     
     
         3 . A reel core as per  claim 2 , wherein the tubular body defines an outer surface with a constant diameter, wherein the outer flange of the second end protector defines an exterior surface that is flush with the outer surface of the tubular body. 
     
     
         4 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second end protectors is formed of a material that is abrasion resistant. 
     
     
         5 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second end protectors is formed of a material that includes a polyurethane polymer. 
     
     
         6 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein the material that forms each of the first and second end protectors has a Shore A hardness no less than about 75. 
     
     
         7 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein the material that forms each of the first and second end protectors has a Shore D hardness in a range from about 40 to about 55. 
     
     
         8 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein each of the end protectors is attached to the tubular body by an interference fit. 
     
     
         9 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein each of the end protectors is attached to the tubular body by adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . A reel core as per  claim 1 , wherein each of the end protectors is attached to the tubular body by a mechanical fastener.