Abstract:
A collapsible reel for receiving windings of wire or the like includes a pair of opposed flange members and a plurality of folding support members defining the reel core and hingedly attached therebetween. Each of the flange members may include a plurality of pockets for receiving the plurality of folding support members when the reel is collapsed such that the thickness of the collapsed reel is the substantially the thickness of the two flanges. An outward arcuate contour is provided for winding the wire or like. The hinge structures each have a hinge axis and a radially displaced force transfer contact portion whereby compressive loading of the reel is not conveyed through the hinge axis. Interlocking surface structure is on the outside facing surface such as multiplicity of the reel flanges to facilitate stacking. The flanges, the folding core arms, and the hinge structure may all be formed of the same polymeric composition to facilitate grinding of the entire assembled reel for easy recycling.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/612,333, filed Sep. 23, 2004, included herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to reels and, in particular, this invention relates to reels for wire, cable, conduit and the like, which are collapsible and recyclable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Reels, sometimes referred to as spools, are commonly used to store, transport, and dispense windable materials, such as cable, wire, conduit, tubing, or the like. These reels commonly have a generally cylindrical core, also known as a drum or hub, defining a winding base flanked by two opposed flange elements. The windable material is wound around the cylindrical core between the flange elements to be efficiently stored, transported, and dispensed. One disadvantage of some reels of the prior art has been that empty reels require essentially the same amount of volume for storage and transport as reels with wound material thereon. Another disadvantage has been that many reels are made from solid materials and are thus often heavy. Heavy reels are more expensive to transport than lighter reels and are more likely to cause workplace injuries because of their greater weights.  
         [0004]     Larger diameter, conventional reels, that is greater than  18  inch flanges for holding wire, have until recently, conventionally been made from wood with metal fasteners and are rigid, non collapsible and not readily disassembleable. These reels are difficult to repair and are not generally considered to be readily recyclable.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,606 discloses a collapsible cable spool having radially fluted flanges and a plurality of foldable drum or core sectors pivotally carried in the flutes to permit the spool to be collapsed for storage or transport. The collapsed spool occupies considerably less volume than when the spool is in an uncollapsed configuration. However, the drum or core arms extend past the periphery of the flanges when the spool is in an uncollapsed configuration. Moreover, the flanges are spaced apart when the spool is in an uncollapsed configuration, the spool therefore failing to occupy a minimum volume. Additionally there are a large number, ten illustrated, of folding core arm sets as well as utilizing different materials, wood and metal for the reel. Manufacture of this reel thus requires fabricating and assembling a large number of components and repair, disassembly, and recycling would be problematic.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,677 discloses a collapsible spool with a pair of opposing side flanges and a plurality of foldable core arms extending therebetween. Each of the foldable core arms fold radially outward for collapsing the spool. The foldable arms of the collapsible spool of U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,677 do not extend past the peripheries of the side panels when in a folded position. However, the flanges are spaced apart in the folded position and hence, the amount of volume occupied by this configuration is not optimal.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,677 discloses a spool that has a folding inner core that presents a curved surface in its expanded position. However, this spool does not fold into the optimal 2× the flange thickness, the folded arms take up substantial space between the flanges. Additionally, the disclosed materials and connectors include metals such that recycling by grinding the assembled spool would not be feasible.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,222 discloses a collapsible reel that collapses into an optimal space of 2× the flange thickness with three folding core arms nesting into recesses in the flanges. This reel has three separate arms that form the core with each of the arms presenting a flat outer surface for receiving the windings of the wire or other material. This is not an ideal configuration in that the material wound thereon may take this non-cylindrical shape and additional stresses may be imparted to isolated portions of the arms, which are primarily contacted by the windings. This can require reinforcement and strengthening in certain areas of the spool adding weight or could cause early failure of the spool. Additionally, this spool is not entirely made of plastic so recycling and grinding-up an assembled spool would be problematic. As in other prior art plastic reels suitable for wire and the like, tools are presumably necessary for disassembly or removal of metal components prior to grinding for recycling.  
         [0009]     A collapsible, easy to assemble spool, is robust, that folds into minimal thickness and that is made entirely of plastic material to facilitate recycling is needed. Moreover, a collapsible spool that folds into a minimal thickness and that presents a curved core for receiving windings is needed.  
         [0010]     Another concern with reels with plastic flanges is that when stacked flange to flange, the flanges are generally very slippery with respect to one another. This can create safety issues when transporting or storing folded or unfolded spools as well as spools fully wound or empty spools. A collapsible spool that alleviates this problem would be desirable.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry by providing, in preferred embodiments, a highly robust collapsible reel occupying a minimum of volume when in a collapsed disposition, having a minimum, or reduced, weight, being comprised of recyclable plastic, presenting a winding surface with curved outer surface, providing highly robust hinge connections, and flange configurations that resist sliding when stacked.  
         [0012]     The preferred embodiment is comprised of a pair of generally circular flange members connected by a core assembly comprising a plurality of folding core arms. The core arms preferably include a pair of arm segments, which are hingedly connected end-to-end. Each of the segments of the core arms can be configured to a fully extended, substantially straight position, disposed generally orthogonally to the flange members, to present a curved outwardly facing surface about which the windable material can be wound. In a preferred embodiment the curved outwardly facing surface can be provided or enhanced by a split tubular sheath that fits over the expanded core arms.  
         [0013]     The flange members and core assemble of the present invention may be designed and adapted to be individually molded. Moreover, all components of the present collapsible reel may preferably be made from a single recyclable polymer (e.g., styrene). Preferred embodiments of the present collapsible reel eliminate the use of metal hinge pins connecting the arm segments to one another to form the core arms and eliminate the use of metal hinge pins connecting the folding core arms to the flanges. Preferably, this is accomplished by a hinge pin molded of the same material as the flanges and core arms, to include a pair of flange members pivotally attached to a plurality of core arms. Using the single material to make the reel components eliminates the need to remove materials such as metal fasteners, pins, or the like prior to grinding and recycling the remainder of the reel. Hence, the present collapsible reel may be easily be put in a grinder without any preparation or disassembly, or use of tools for disassembly, and easily and economically recycled after use.  
         [0014]     Each of the flange members may include a plurality of cavities or ribbing for adding strength. When the present reel is in a collapsed disposition, the arm segment pairs are in a folded position, such that each of the pivot arms is received in and accommodated by one of the flange pockets or cavities and such that the flange members are in a generally confronting and contacting relation. In one embodiment, each of the pivot arms displays a first plurality of contact surfaces at a first end thereof and a second plurality of contact surfaces at a second end thereof. When the reel is in an extended position, each of the first plurality of contact surfaces of one arm abuts one of the first plurality of contact surfaces of the second arm. Also when the reel is in an extended position, each of the second plurality of contact surfaces contacts one of the contact surfaces present on the flange members. Preferably the stop surfaces on the ends of the arm segments that engage the flange are generally configured to fall within and define a segment of a circle and lay within a plane. Similarly the contact surfaces between arm segments of each folding core arm may also fall within and define a segment of a circle and are planar. The axis of the hinges between the respective paired arm segments and between the folding core arms and the flanges are positioned at or outside the chord portion of the segment of the circles. An advantage of this feature is that when the reel is axially loaded in the extended position, such as by stacking, the majority of the loading does not go through the hinge axis and pin supporting structure but through the engaged contact surfaces. This facilitates the use of non-metal hinge pins or hinge structure, and such formed of the same plastic material if desired as the flanges and core arms.  
         [0015]     It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the core arms of the present collapsible reel may be disposed in the flange member cavities, such that the flange members are in a contacting disposition and such that a height of the collapsed reel is substantially equal to the combined height of the individual flange members.  
         [0016]     It is another advantage of the foregoing feature that the axial forces exerted on the flanges will not tend to collapse the reel. The contact surfaces between the core arms and the flanges may have a slight cant outward from the plane of flange to provide further resistance to collapsing of an expanded reel without any windings thereon.  
         [0017]     It is an advantage and feature of the present reel, that when fully collapsed, it has a thickness of about twice the thickness of each individual flange members.  
         [0018]     It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the pivot arms can be disposed within the flanges without extending past the periphery of the flanges when the present reel is in a retracted position, thereby occupying a minimum amount of space.  
         [0019]     It is a feature of the present reel that the pivot arms present a generally arcuate outer profile for receiving the material wound on the reel. It is an advantage of this feature that the generally arcuate outer profile of the pivot arms minimizes the potential of damage to the material wound around the reel.  
         [0020]     It is a feature of the present reel that the pivot arms are joined to each other and to the flanges with pivot pins that are preferably formed of recyclable plastic.  
         [0021]     It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the hinge or pivot pins may be easily replaced, thereby simplifying repair.  
         [0022]     It is a feature of the present reel that the pivot pins include a detent assuring that the pivot pin remains in their respective hinge joints.  
         [0023]     It is another feature of the present reel that the totality of the reel can be made from a single, recyclable thermoplastic injection molded material.  
         [0024]     It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the present reel can be easily recycled without the necessity of disassembling the reel or of removing components that cannot be recycled or that would be an impurity to the recycled other portions of the spool.  
         [0025]     These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description that follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.  
         [0026]     Another aspect of the invention is that all components are injection molded and there only needs to be a minimal number of molds in that the reel is comprised of several identical components. For example, both flanges are identical and may be formed from a single mold and the core arms are identical.  
         [0027]     In preferred embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the flanges have structure that slidingly interlocks with an engaged same structure of a like reel stacked therewith. Such structure may be, for example, a multiplicity of peaks and valleys to provide a multiplicity of cam surfaces to resist but not prevent sliding. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present collapsible reel in an extended position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the present collapsible reel in an extended position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present collapsible reel intermediate between an extended position and a retracted or collapsed position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present collapsible reel in a retracted position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a flange of the present collapsible reel;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a pair of pivot arms of the present collapsible reel;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is an end view of one of the pivot arms of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present reel depicting a pair of pivot arms pivotally joined to a flange element;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of one of the retaining elements of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a pair of joined pivot arms;  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pivot pin used to join the pivot arms of  FIG. 8 ; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pivot pin used to join the pivot arms of  FIG. 8  to a flange element.  
         [0040]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view showing a spool and a rigid openable form for fitting around the core arms intermediate the flanges.  
         [0041]      FIG. 13  is a closeup perspective view of planar knurling on the surface of the flanges illustrating an aspect of the invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention on a stand with an axle for dispensing wire on the reel.  
         [0043]      FIG. 15  is an elevational view of alternative mateable hinge structures.  
         [0044]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section of suitable interlocking surface for flanges for limiting sliding of stacked or abutted reels.  
         [0045]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section of an alternative interlocking surface configuration.  
         [0046]      FIG. 18  is a cross-section of two flange surfaces engaged. 
     
    
       [0047]     It is understood that the above-described figures are only illustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to limit the scope thereof.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0048]     Any references to such relative terms as inboard and outboard, right and left, inner and outer, and the like are intended for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation. “Substantially” when used herein also includes exactly the characteristic or relationship referenced. All dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary with a potential design and the intended use of an embodiment of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Each of the additional features and methods disclosed herein may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and methods to provide improved connectors and methods for making the same. Representative examples of the teachings of the present invention, which examples utilize many of these additional features and methods in conjunction, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, only combinations of features and methods disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative and preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , a preferred embodiment of a collapsible reel of the present invention is depicted in the figures generally at  100 , has an axis a R  and includes a pair of substantially identical flange members  102  and a plurality of (e.g., three) support units or folding core arms  104  or hub portions that define a hub or core assembly that constitutes a winding base  105 .  
         [0050]     Each of the flange members  102  has a flange axis a F  defines a rim  106  having a cylindrical outer surface  107  that extends circumferentially. Each flange member unitarily (or otherwise integrally) further includes a plurality of respective first or inward cavity portions  108  and second or outward cavity portions  110  which preferably alternate circumferentially around each flange, a central portion  112 , and displays respective inboard and outboard sides  114  and  116 .  
         [0051]     For example, from 0 to approximately 30° extending around circumferentially around the periphery of a first side of a flange, the first or inward cavity portion  108  have the ribs, which are generally planar are axially extending, exposed and open toward the first side as are the cavities they define; from 30 to 120°, the ribs again extend axially but are exposed and open to the second side as are the cavities they define. From 120° to 150°, the ribs and cavities they define are exposed and open to the first side; and so on.  
         [0052]     As also more fully explained below, each of the receiving regions  117  configured as inward cavity portions  108  pivotally accommodates an element of one of the core arms  104 . Each of the inward cavity portions  108  includes a hinge structure  118 , an outboard panel or portion  120 , and a cavity such as defined by the panelar portion  120 , ribbing  122  and  124 , and sides  126  and  128 , the ribs and sides extending in an axial direction with respect to the flange and reel. In the embodiment depicted, the panelar portion  120 , ribbing  122  and  124 , and sides  126  and  128  are unitarily molded and thus are integral to the rim  106 . The sides  126  and  128  of the inward cavity portion also extend from the second units  110  in a manner more fully explained below. The panelar portion  120 , ribbing  122  and  124 , and sides  126  and  128  further subdivides each of the cavities into pockets  130 ,  132 , and  134 , which are best seen in  FIG. 8 . In preferred embodiments, each flange, in an axial direction, is at least ¾ inch in thickness from one side to the other and the axial length of the winding base defined by the folding core arms is at least 5 inches in length.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 ,  8  and  8 A, the hinge structures  118  includes arch members  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and  146  and retaining elements  148  and  150 . The arch members  138  and  140  integrally extend from the respective sides  128  and  126  and the arch members  142 ,  144 , and  146  integrally extend from the panelar portion  120 . Each of the arch members  138 - 146  defines an opening generally aligned along an axis  156 . The retaining elements  148  and  150  also extend from the panelar portion  120  and are substantially identical to one another in the embodiment depicted. Each of the retaining elements  148  and  150  defines respective first and second arcuate surfaces  152  and  154 . Windows  157  and  158  are defined in the planar member  120  beneath arch members  138  and  140  and windows  159 ,  160 , and  161  are defined in the planar member  120  beneath the arch members  142 ,  144 , and  146 , respectively. The windows facilitate injection molding.  
         [0054]     Each of the second outward cavity portions  110  provides structural rigidity to the present reel and have a generally panelar portion  162  fully exposed facing inwardly. An arcuate element  164  and ribs  166  and  168  extend from the planar member  162 . The arcuate element  164  is disposed generally equidistantly from the rim  106 . The ribs  166  are generally equally spaced apart and extend radially between the rim  106  and the arcuate element  164 . The ribs  168  are also generally equally spaced apart. The ribs  168  extend generally perpendicularly between the first unit side  126  and the arcuate element  164  or extend at an acute angle between the side  128  and the arcuate element  164 .  
         [0055]     The central portion  112  broadly includes a panelar portion  176 , a polygonal outer portion  178 , a generally circular inner bearing portion  180 , and a plurality of ribs  182 . In the embodiment depicted, the panelar portion  176  is generally coextensive with the first element panelar portion  120  and the outer portion  178 . Inner bearing portion  180 , and ribs  182  extend from the panelar portion  176 . In the embodiment depicted, the outer portion  178  is generally hexagonal and the inner portion  180  is coaxially disposed with respect to the outer portion  178 . The inner portion  180  defines an opening  184 . When assembled with the plurality of core arms  108 , the openings  184  of the two joined flanges are aligned along an axis  186  which is coincident with the reel axis a r . The ribs  182  extend between the inner portion  180  and the apexes of the sides of the outer portion  178 .  
         [0056]     Each of the collapsible core arms  104  is substantially identical in this embodiment and includes two substantially identical pivot arms or arm segments  202 . As seen in  FIGS. 6-9 , each of the arm segments  202  have a body portion  204  integrally joined to respective first and second end hinge connecting structures  206  and  208 .  
         [0057]     The arm segments  202  have a curvilinear upper side  205 , arcuate in the cross-section, and portions of the lower side of the body portion are generally planar as best seen in  FIG. 7 . The arm segments  202  may be considered to include lateral elements  212  and  214  and a generally central element  216 . The lateral elements  212  and  214  and the central element  216  present a generally arcuate contour, the significance of which is discussed more fully below. Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 6-9 , a bridge element  218  connects the lateral element  212  to the central element  216  and a bridge element  220  connects the lateral element  214  to the central element  216 . A plurality of (e.g., three) structures aligningly extend between the lateral elements  212  and  214  and the central element  216  to define gaps  222 ,  224 , and  226  between the lateral element  214  and the central element  216  and gaps  228 ,  230 , and  232  between the lateral element  212  and the central element  216 . The gaps  222 - 232  are dimensioned to accommodate the reel ribbing  122  and  124 . Likewise, the lateral elements  212  and  214  and the central element  216  are also dimensioned to be accommodated in the pockets  130 - 134 . The bridge elements  218  and  220  present aligned, generally planar lower surfaces. The ends of the lateral elements  212  and  214  and the central element  216  proximate the first connecting structure  206  present contact surfaces  234 ,  236 , and  237 .  
         [0058]     The first connecting structure  206  includes extensions  238  and  240  from lateral element  212 , extension  242  from lateral element  214 , and extension  244  from central element  216 . The extensions  238 - 244 , in turn, present respective contact surfaces  248 ,  250 ,  252 , and  254 . The extensions  238 - 244  have generally rounded bottom portions and define aligned openings along an axis  258 . The extensions  238 - 244  are disposed and dimensioned such that extension  242  of a first arm segment  202  is accommodated between extensions  238  and  240  of a second arm segment  202  and extensions  240  and  244  of the first arm segment are disposed between extensions  242  and  244  of the second arm segment when the first and second pivot arms are meshed such that the axes  258  of each are coextensive. When the axes  256 ,  258  of meshed first and second pivot arms are coextensive, the extension contact surfaces abuttingly contact the arm segment body contact surfaces when the connected first and second pivot arms are in an extended position. Stated otherwise, when the connected first and second pivot arms are in an extended position, extension contact surface  248  abuttingly contacts arm segment contact surface  237 , extension contact surfaces  250  and  254  abuttingly contact arm segment contact surface  236 , and extension contact surface  252  abuttingly contacts arm segment contact surface  234 . These contacts are generally offset radially with respect to the reel axis a R  from the three hinge axes a H  of each folding core arms  104 . This contact extends linearly in a radial direction, normal to the extended pivot arm, a substantial portion, e.g. great than 50% of the radial thickness of the hinge structure at that point of both pivot arms  200  of each core arm.  
         [0059]     The second connecting structure includes lateral extensions  264  and  266  and central extensions  268  and  270 . Each extension  264 - 270  defines a bore, the defined bores generally aligned along an axis  272 . The extensions  268  and  270  present respective contact surfaces  274  and  276 . The extensions  264 - 270  are dimensioned and disposed such that extensions  264  and  266  fit inside arch members  138  and  140 , respectively, and such that the extensions  268  and  270  at least partially surround the arch members  144  and  146 , respectively. The extensions  268  and  270  are further configured such that the contact surfaces  274  and  276  abuttingly contact the generally flat surfaces of the notches  154  when the connected first and second pivot arms  202  are in the extended position. Again this contact extends linearly in a radial direction.  
         [0060]     As best seen in  FIGS. 8-11 , the first and second pivot arms  202  of the core arms  104  are pivotally connected at a hinge  279  having an intermediate hinge axis a H  using a connector, such as a pivot pin  280 . The pivot pin  280  includes a head  282  unitarily (or otherwise integrally) connected to a shaft  284 . In the embodiment shown, the head  282  has a generally disk-like configuration. The shaft  284  may display a generally tapering end  286  distal from the head  282  and may include a detent  288 . The detent  288  curves away from a surface of the shaft  284 , but may be aligned therewith when a force is exerted radially toward the shaft surface, as indicated by the arrow  290 .  
         [0061]     Arm segments  202  may also be pivotally connected to the present flange member by a connector such as the pivot pin  280 , or by another connector such as a pivot pin  294 . The pivot pin  294  has a head  296  with a flat circumferential surface  298 . The surface  298  represents a generally planar deviation from the otherwise circular circumference of the head  296 .  
         [0062]     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the first and second pivot arms  202  are pivotally connected (e.g., mated) by meshing the first connecting structure extensions  238 - 244 , as described above, such that the axes  258  of each first connecting structure are coextensive and define the hinge axis a H . Inserting a connector such as the pivot pin  280  through the openings defined in the extensions  238 - 244  completes the connection. When the pivot pin  280  is completely inserted, the detent  288  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) is forced toward the pivot pin shaft surface, thereby further securing the pivot pin  280  in place. The second connecting structures  208  of the connected pivot arms  202  are meshed to each of the flange members  102  by disposing the second connecting structure extensions  264 - 270  about the arch members  138 - 146 , as described above, and such that each of the axes  272  are coextensive with one of the flange member connecting structure axes  156 . The meshed arm segment second connecting structures  208  are pivotally secured to the reel connecting structure  118  by inserting a connector, such as the pivot pin  294  through the generally aligned openings, the pivot pin  294  then being generally coaxial to the axes  156  and  272 . In some embodiments, the pivot pin  294  is positioned such that the flat surface  298  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) is disposed proximate the reel second unit planar member  162  to provide clearance between the head  296  and adjacent flange element surfaces.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in other embodiments the separate hinge pins may be eliminated by incorporating hinge pin segments  317  as part of the hinge structure of the arm segments  319  to be inserted into apertures  321  in another arm segment or the hinge structure  323  of a flange.  
         [0064]     When two opposing flange members  102  are connected by a plurality (e.g., three) of wire winding core arms  104 , the present reel  100  (depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 ) is completely assembled and ready for use. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a further form  310  made from cardboard, fibrous material, or rigid plastic, including abs, or the like may be assembled on the core arms to provide a near perfect cylindrical curvature to wind the wire on. The form may be opened at the ends  312  to be placed on the support members. The split cylindrical form may be secured on the core arm by tape or on other securement, i.e. plastic tie. Other configured forms, such as spiralized, may be utilized on the support members also. The form may be made of the same polymer as the flanges and folding core arms.  
         [0065]     The present reel may be collapsed in a retracted position (depicted in  FIG. 4 ) to minimize the volume required for storage and transport or in an extended position (depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) for use. In the retracted position, the pivot arms  202  are folded such that the reel first unit pockets  130 - 134  accommodate them and such that the arm segment bridge elements  218  and  220  of the present connected pivot arms are in contact. When the present reel is in the retracted position, the inboard sides  114  of the opposed flange members  102  are proximate, e.g., in a contacting relation, as well.  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIGS. 13, 15 ,  16 , and  17 , the exterior exposed sides of the flange members may have surfaces configured to minimize slipping. This can constitute interlocking structure with roughened or textured surfaces  318  that cooperate with an adjacent surface on a stacked or abutting reel to prevent slippage between the reels, either in the expanded or the retracted position. A repeating multiplicity of peaks  327  and valleys  329  where the peaks extend slightly above the adjoining flat surface  331  of the flange. Thus the apexes of the peaks extend out from the nominal surface of the flange. Other interlocking structure may also be quite suitable, particularly structure that has repeating pattern that interlocks with the same pattern on the adjacent reel, see  FIG. 17 . Additionally recesses  322 , as shown if  FIG. 12 , in the exteriorly facing sides of the flanges may be utilized as hand grips for picking up the spools, either when stacked with other spools or when on a flat surface.  
         [0067]     The present reel may be reconfigured from the retracted position to the extended position before being used to store and dispense windable materials, such as chain, wire, cable, rope, tubing, conduit, and the like. The reel  100  is reconfigured from the retracted to the extended position by forcing the opposed flange members  102  apart in directions depicted by arrows  300  (see  FIG. 3 ), thereby pivoting the attached core arms into an extended position. When in the extended position, the attached pivot arms  202  are generally aligned and are generally perpendicular to the flange members. Also, the arm segment first connecting structure surfaces  234 ,  236 , and  237  are in abutting contact with the extension surfaces  248 - 254 , as described above and the second connecting structure surfaces are in abutting contact with the reel contact surfaces  154 . One advantage of the foregoing abutting contact between these surfaces is that substantially all of the axial forces exerted on the extended pivot arms are transmitted directly to the reel flange members without tending to fold the pivot arms from the extended position toward the retracted position. Another advantage is that the forces exerted on the pivot pins are minimized.  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the present reel in the extended position may be used to store, transport, and dispense windable materials. These materials are wound about the core arms, preferably on a form, between the flange members. In one protocol, an axle  341 , supported by a stand  343 , is inserted through the flange member openings  184 , such that the axle coextends the axis  186 . One end of the windable material is then secured to one of the core arms  104 , and the material is then wound around the core arms as the reel is rotated. The generally curved configuration of the pivot arms may generally follow a circular pattern about the reel axis  186  to provide a generally smooth circular surface (path) about which to wind the materials. Normally, sharp departures from a circular contour would cause the material to be wound, kinked, or bent sharply when forced over the noncircular contours. Thus, the curved surface of the pivot arms provides fewer stress points on the material being wound thereon, thereby eliminating or greatly minimizing kinks and weakened areas in the material. This also minimizes localized stresses, for example, on the edges of the folding core arms.  
         [0069]     Materials stored on the present reel are dispensed, e.g., by extending the axle  343  through the reel openings  184  as described above, then unwinding desired amounts of the material from the present reel. When all of the materials are dispensed, the reel can then be configured in the retracted position as described above so that a minimum of volume is required for transport and storage.  
         [0070]     Various polymers may be suitable for the invention, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), other styrenes, polyethylenes such as high density polyethylene, and polypropylene, optionally with a blowing agent, may be used to manufacture the present reel in an injection molding process known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Additives may also be incorporated into the resin to enhance specific physical properties desired for a given embodiment.  
         [0071]     The reel as disclosed is particularly conducive to recycling. A suitable life cycle of these reels could be:  
         [0072]     injection molding multiple flanges and multiple folding core arms from the same plastic;  
         [0073]     assembling the flanges and folding core arms into collapsible reels without using metal, for example with injection molded hinge pins;  
         [0074]     providing, if desired a carved surface for the windings, such by the tubular form;  
         [0075]     winding wire or other windable material on said reel;  
         [0076]     transporting said reels with windable material thereon to places of usage;  
         [0077]     utilizing all of the windable material on individual reels;  
         [0078]     collapsing the reels and transporting them for reuse:  
         [0079]     reusing the collapsible reels;  
         [0080]     grinding the reels with out any disassembly of the reels;  
         [0081]     reusing the plastic from the recycled reels.  
         [0082]     A person of ordinary skill in the art can readily identify other synthetic resins with characteristics more suitable to other embodiments. Such resins are identified, for example, in the Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, Third Edition, Charles A. Harper, Editor in Chief, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y. (1996), hereby incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, all components of the present reel are made from a single resin, such as polypropylene or styrene, without any components being made from other materials, such as metals, wood, or the like. In this embodiment, the entire reel may be efficiently ground-up and recycled, without the necessity of removing components made from either non-resins or other resins.  
         [0083]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,222 B2 illustrates alternative or additional structure and features consistent with the inventions herein. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,222 is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0084]     Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.