Dispenser for telecommunications cables

Abstract

A rotary dispenser ( 100 ) for unwinding a telecommunications cable ( 115 ) from a drum ( 110 ), the rotary dispenser comprising: a rotating portion ( 125 ) for supporting the drum and for permitting rotation of the drum about an axis of rotation; a fixed portion ( 120 ) supporting the rotating portion and configured to remain static relative to the rotating portion; a locating member ( 135 ) for centring the drum about the axis of rotation; a cable guide ( 145 ), coupled to the fixed portion, for receiving the telecommunications cable from the drum when the drum is mounted on the rotary dispenser and configured to support movement of the telecommunications cable through the cable guide as the rotating portion and the drum are rotated with the rotating portion; and an urging member for urging the cable guide away from the rotating portion so as to tension the telecommunications cable in use.

1 . A rotary dispenser for unwinding a telecommunications cable from a drum, the rotary dispenser comprising:
 a rotating portion for supporting the drum and for permitting rotation of the drum about an axis of rotation;   a fixed portion supporting the rotating portion and configured to remain static relative to the rotating portion;   a locating member for centring the drum about the axis of rotation;   a cable guide, coupled to the fixed portion, for receiving the telecommunications cable from the drum when the drum is mounted on the rotary dispenser and configured to support movement of the telecommunications cable through the cable guide as the rotating portion and the drum are rotated with the rotating portion; and   an urging member for urging the cable guide away from the rotating portion so as to tension the telecommunications cable in use.   
     
     
         2 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the cable guide is in the form of a pulley. 
     
     
         3 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotating portion comprises a rotary bearing. 
     
     
         4 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , wherein the locating member comprises a spindle. 
     
     
         5 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 4 , wherein the spindle is dimensioned so as to receive, and centre about the axis of rotation, at least two stacked drums. 
     
     
         6 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 4 , wherein the spindle comprises an outward urging member for engaging the drum and/or a coil of the telecommunications cable. 
     
     
         7 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , wherein the locating member comprises a wall formation arranged on the fixed portion so as to receive a side wall of the drum. 
     
     
         8 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , wherein the locating member is fixed to the rotating portion so that the locating member is available to rotate with the rotating portion. 
     
     
         9 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , further comprising an arm projecting away from the fixed portion, wherein the cable guide is coupled to the fixed portion via the arm. 
     
     
         10 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 9 , wherein the arm is hinged so as to facilitate movement of the arm towards and away from the fixed portion. 
     
     
         11 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , further comprising a brake for inhibiting motion of the rotating portion. 
     
     
         12 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 2 , further comprising a brake for inhibiting motion of the pulley. 
     
     
         13 . A rotary dispenser according to  any preceding Claim 1 , wherein the cable guide and/or rotating portion is/are ratcheted. 
     
     
         14 . A rotary dispenser according to  Claim 1 , wherein the fixed portion comprises a foot for resting on ground so as to render the dispenser freestanding. 
     
     
         15 . A rotary dispenser according to  claim 14 , wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the foot.