Patent Publication Number: US-2022212891-A1

Title: Rotatable Cable Reel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/390,733, entitled “Rotatable Cable Reel,” filed Apr. 22, 2019, now allowed, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/225,357, entitled “Rotatable Cable Reel,” filed Aug. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,266,366, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/198,348, entitled “Rotatable Cable Reel,” filed Mar. 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,659, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/773,049 filed on Mar. 5, 2013, entitled “Independently Rotatable Cable Reel,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is directed to cable reels. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a cable reel having components with independent rotation about an axis. 
     Electrical needs of modern facilities such as houses, apartment buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and the like, have increased as the use of electrical devices has increased. During the construction of buildings or the upgrade of electrical/communication systems, cables are typically pulled through a conduit from a source to a destination. For example, a building may be upgraded from copper wires for communication to fiber optic cables. To upgrade, the currently installed cables are typically removed by pulling the cables through a conduit or off of support structures such as cable trays or overhead power lines. Fiber optic cables can be run from a source, such as a cable box outside the building, providing the link to the communication network, such as the Internet, to the building or a structure configured to receive the fiber optic cable. 
     Because of the length of cable needed in certain installations, the cable is typically wound around a cable reel at an installation facility. The technicians transport the cable reel, which may weigh several tons, from the installation facility in which the cable was wound to the site in which the cable is to be installed. The cable reel is typically lifted from a truck carrying the cable reel to the location in which the cable is to be installed by transport machinery, such as a forklift. In some systems in use today, the cable reel remains loaded on the truck and the cable is pulled from the reel while the reel is on the truck. In other cable installations, because of geographical limitations, the cable reel may need to be moved from the truck to the installation location because the truck cannot be physically located at the installation location. The geographical limitations may also prevent the use of transport machinery, such as a forklift, to transport the cable reel to the installation location. This would require the technicians to manually rotate the cable reel to move it from the truck to the installation location. 
     Conventional systems may also require the use of labor intensive procedures at the cable winding facility. In the facility, an empty cable reel may need to be moved manually from a storage location to the winding machine. Once wound, the cable reel may need to be manually moved from the winding location to the truck. As mentioned briefly above, a fully wound cable reel can weigh several tons. Even when no cable is wound on a cable reel, if constructed from a material like metal, the cable reel itself can weigh almost a ton. The movement of a cable reel from location to location, whether with cable or empty, can be a labor intensive operation having significant safety concerns. In addition, conventional reels require systems, such as capstans to rotate the conventional reel or otherwise assist in rotating the conventional reel. 
     It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to concepts and technologies for a cable reel having components with independent rotation about an axis. A cable reel of the present disclosure can include two flanges and a drum. The drum, which can be configured to receive a length of cable, can be rotatably mounted on an axle. The two flanges can be rotationally mounted on the axle at opposing, distal ends of the axle. The two flanges are rotatably mounted on the axle independent of the drum. In some configurations, this provides for the ability of the drum to rotate about the axle independent of both flanges. In further configurations, the flanges can rotate independently of the drum and of each other. 
     The cable reel may also be configured with additional features. In one implementation, the width of the cable reel may be adjustable. The flanges may be repositioned along various positions on the axle. The placement of the flanges can increase or decrease the width between the flanges, thus increasing or decreasing the width between the flanges. Although not limited to any particular advantage or feature, providing a cable reel having an adjustable width between the flanges can provide some benefits. For example, it may be beneficial to have a relatively smaller width between the flanges when transporting a cable reel having cable loaded onto it. The relatively smaller width can compress the flanges against the cable, thus reducing the likelihood that the drum will rotate unnecessarily. In a similar manner, during a payoff of the cable, the width between the flanges can be increased to relieve the pressure applied to the cable to reduce the amount of pulling force necessary to payoff the cable. A resistance braking device to control payoff speed may be added. The resistance braking device can act as a drum speed control by providing an opposing force to the rotational force generated by the drum during payoff. The opposing force can help slow down the drum when it is desired to reduce the rate of the payoff of the cable. 
     In another configuration, adjusting the width between the flanges can be used to accommodate drums of various sizes or to change the number of drums installed on the axle. The drum configuration can be adjusted depending on the particular implementation of the cable reel. For example, the cable reel may be used to install a single cable in one instance, and then, may need to be used to install multiple types of the cables in another instance. In one implementation, the single drum configuration can be modified by removing the single drum, installing the multiple drums to accommodate the multiple types of cables, and adjusting the width between the flanges to complete the reconfiguration. 
     In another configuration, the drum of the cable reel may be fixable to either flange, or both. In a still further configuration, the cable reel may have one or more shields to protect the cable during the loading or payoff stage. The shielding can act as a barrier between the rotating drum and the fixed flanges during the two stages, reducing wear and tear on the cables. In another implementation, the shield may also reduce the friction between the cable and the flanges. This shield may include a lubricant  401  incorporated in the shield material to reduce the force required to pull the cable against the flanges. The lubricant  401  can be a fluidic or solid lubricant suitable for use in a cable reel. For example, and not by way of limitation, the lubricant  401  can be graphite, oil, or grease. The shield may also include bearings, wheels or other rotatable components that reduce the force necessary to pull the cable against the flanges. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of an alternate cable reel without an axle, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are side views showing the adjustment of the width of a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a cable reel in which a shield is used to reduce the coefficient of friction between the cables and the cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of a cable reel showing an alternate shield configuration, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is perspective view of an exemplary bearing structure, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternate bearing structure used in a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration showing the securement of a cable reel onto a truck, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 8B and 8C  are a detail portions of the cable reel illustrated in  FIG. 8A , according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of a cable reel comprising an over-spin control, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  shows an over-spin control, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a scotch, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  shows a bearing assembly, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  shows a wire guide assembly, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  shows a wire guide assembly support, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  shows a connector assembly, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  shows a graph showing average forces needed to cause unassisted cable reel rotation, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  shows a graph showing average maximum forces needed to cause unassisted cable reel rotation, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  shows a graph showing a maximum point force needed to cause unassisted cable reel rotation, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  shows a graph showing standard deviations for forces needed to cause unassisted cable reel rotation, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  shows a diagram for a data collection procedure, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  shows a graph showing average forces needed to pull cable from a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  shows the standard deviation for average forces needed to pull cable from a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  shows a graph showing maximum forces needed to pull cable from a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded, perspective view of a cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 25A  is a perspective view of an alternate locking pin, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 25B  is a back view of the alternate locking pin, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 25C  is a side view of the alternate locking pin, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 26A  is a front view of a catch device, according to exemplary embodiments; and 
         FIG. 26B  is a side view of the catch device, according to exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is directed to concepts and technologies relating to a cable reel having components with independent rotation about an axis. This description provides various components, one or more of which may be included in particular implementations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein. In illustrating and describing these various components, however, it is noted that implementations of the embodiments disclosed herein may include any combination of these components, including combinations other than those shown in this description. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of a cable reel  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable reel includes a drum  102  that is to be rotationally mounted on an axle  104 , described in more detail in  FIG. 2  below. In some embodiments, the drum  102  includes a central volume  106  running the length of the drum  102  to receive the axle  104 . Although not limited to any particular configuration, the axle  104  may also include an inner void having an inner diameter sufficient to receive a securement mechanism, described in further detail by way of example in  FIG. 2 . For example, when transporting the cable reel  100 , the cable reel  100  may need to be securely affixed to the bed of a truck upon which the cable reel  100  is mounted. In some configurations, a chain or other securement mechanism (not shown) may be inserted through the inner void of the axle  104 . The chain may be of sufficient length so that when inserted through the inner void, the ends of the chain can be secured to a securement point on the truck, shown in more detail in  FIG. 7 , below. 
     The radius “R” of the drum  102  may vary depending on the particular implementation of the cable reel  100 . For example, some installation operations may require a significant amount of cable  105 . In order to accommodate the amount of the cable  105  required, or based on the bend radius of the cable  105 , the radius R of the drum  102  may be small to allow a large amount of cable  105  to be wound onto the drum  102 . In another installation example, the amount of cable  105  may be small when compared to the previous example or, the bend radius of the cable  105  requires the radius of the drum  102  to be larger. However, the concepts and technologies described herein are not limited to any particular radius configuration. 
     The cable reel  100  also includes flanges  108 A and  108 B (collectively referred to herein as “the flanges  108 ”). The flanges  108 A and  108 B are rotationally mounted onto the axle  104  proximate to the opposing ends of the drum  102 . The flanges  108 A and  108 B include bearings  110 A and  110 B that are installed at the center of the flanges  108 A and  108 B, respectively (collectively referred to herein as “the bearings  110 ”). The bearings  110 A and  110 B provide for rotational freedom of the flanges  108 A and  108 B about the axle  104 , allowing the flanges  108  to rotate freely with respect to each other, the axle  104  and the drum  102 , as described in more detail in  FIG. 2  below. In some configurations, the bearings  110  can allow for a full rotation of the flanges  108  about the axle  104 . As used herein, “full rotation” means a 360 degree rotation. 
     A limiting apparatus can be used to limit the movement of the flanges  108 A and  108 B outwards from the center point of the axle  104 . Shown in  FIG. 1  are end collars  112 A and  112 B, mounted onto the axle  104  proximate to the flanges  108 A and  108 B, respectively (collectively referred to herein as “the end collars  112 ”). The end collars  112  can be affixed to their respective ends of the axle  104  using various techniques. For example, the end collars  112  can be welded onto their respective ends of the axle  104 . In another example, the end collars  112  can be affixed to the end of the axle  104  by screwing the end collars  112  onto a thread of the axle  104 . 
     In some configurations, it may be desirable to limit the physical interaction of the flanges  108  with the end collars  112 . In this configuration, the cable reel  100  also includes shaft collars  114 A and  114 B (collectively referred to herein as “the shaft collars  114 ”). The shaft collars  114 A and  114 B can be mounted onto the axle  104  proximate to the flanges  108 A and  108 B, respectively in such a way that the shaft collars  114  can be adjusted from a first position to a second position along the axle  104 . The shaft collars  114  can be mounted to the axle  104  using various techniques, of which the concepts and technologies described herein are not limited to any particular one. 
     The cable reel  100  can also include a locking pin  116 . The locking pin  116  is a pin that is inserted into one of the flanges  108  to lock the rotation of the particular flange with the rotation of the drum, described in more detail in  FIG. 2  below. In some implementations, the locking pin  116  can be a rod or other object inserted through an aperture  118  of the flange  108 A into an aperture  120  of the drum  102 . In this configuration, the independent rotation of the drum  102  is impeded by the pin  116 . 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 24 , the cable reel  100  can include a locking pin  116 ′ having an alternate configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similar to the locking pin  116  of  FIG. 1 , the locking pin  116 ′ can be inserted through one of the flanges, such as the flange  108 B, to lock rotation of the flange  108 B with rotation of the drum  402 . In particular, the locking pin  116 ′ can be inserted through an aperture  118 ′ in the flange  108 B and be received by a catch device  2600 , described in more detail below with regards to  FIGS. 26A-26B , mounted on a sleeve  2602  of the drum  402  to lock rotation of the flange  108 B with rotation of the drum  402 . Although described with reference to the flange  108 B, the flange  108 A may also include an aperture  118 ′ for receiving a locking pin, such as the locking pin  116 ′, to lock rotation of the flange  108 A with rotation of the drum  402 . According to embodiments, two of the locking pins  116 ′ can be used simultaneously to lock rotation of both flanges  108 A,  108 B with rotation of the drum  402 . 
       FIGS. 25A-25C  illustrate the locking pin  116 ′, according to an exemplary embodiment. The locking pin  116 ′ can include a plate  2502 , a tube  2504  having a hollow cavity  2518 , a handle  2508 , and one or more magnets  2510 . As shown in  FIGS. 25B-25C , the plate  2502  defines an opening  2512 . According to embodiments, the opening  2512  of the plate  2502  has a diameter that is larger than an outside diameter (“OD”) of the tube  2504  such that an end  2506  of the tube  2504  can be received through the opening  2512 , as illustrated in  FIG. 25C . Once the end  2506  of the tube  2504  is inserted through the opening  2512 , the tube  2504  can be attached to the plate  2502  by, for example, welding, gluing, or applying other fastening means adjacent the end  2506  of the tube  2504  to affix the tube  2504  within the opening  2512  of the plate  2502  such that at least a portion of the tube  2504  extends outward from a face  2514  of the plate  2502 . According to other embodiments, an inner diameter (“ID”) of the tube  2504  and the diameter of the opening  2512  may be similarly sized such that the end  2506  of the tube  2504  can be attached to the face  2514  of the plate  2502  over the opening  2512  instead of being inserted through the opening  2512 . For example, the end  2506  of the tube  2504  can be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise attached to the face  2514  of the plate  2502  over the opening  2512  such that the opening  2512  of the plate  2502  is in communication with the hollow cavity  2518  of the tube  2504 . Regardless of how the tube  2504  is attached to the plate  2502 , a passage through the locking pin  116 ′ created by either the hollow cavity  2518  of the tube  2504  or the opening  2512  and the hollow cavity  2518  of the tube  2504  is accessible from a back  2516  of the plate  2502 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the tube  2504  has a length of approximately 3-3.5 inches, an ID of approximately 1.5 inches, and an OD of approximately 1.875 inches. The plate  2502  and the tube  2504  can be constructed from one or more metals such as steel, from plastics, from combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 25A-25C , the handle  2508  of the locking pin  116 ′ can be attached to the back  2516  of the plate  2502  and can extend outward therefrom. The handle  2508  can be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise attached to the plate  2502 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 25A-25C , the handle  2508  can be positioned above the opening  2512  of the plate  2502 . Similar to the plate  2502  and the tube  2504 , the handle  2508  can be constructed from a metal such as steel, plastic, a combination thereof, or the like. Turning back to  FIG. 24 , the handle  2508  can be used to position the locking pin  116 ′ in order to insert at least a portion of the tube  2504  of the locking pin  116 ′ through the aperture  118 ′ in the flange  108 B of the cable reel  100 , which is then received by the catch device  2600  to lock rotation of the flange  108 B with rotation of the drum  402 . Turning briefly to  FIG. 26 , the catch device  2600  can include a catch  2604  defining an opening  2606  that receives the tube  2504  of the locking pin  116 ′ therethrough. According to embodiments, the catch device  2600  also includes a bracket  2608 . The catch  2604  may be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise attached to the bracket  2608 . Alternatively, the catch  2604  and the bracket  2608  may be constructed as an integral unit. The bracket  2608  may be mounted on the drum  402  of the cable reel  100  such as, for example, via the sleeve  2602  of the drum  402 . The drum  402  including the sleeve  2602  can be installed on the axle  104  as described herein. The bracket  2608  may be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise attached to the sleeve  2602  of the drum  402 . According to embodiments, the bracket  2608  has a length that aligns the opening  2606  of the catch  2604  with the aperture  118 ′ in the flange  108 B. Thus, the length of the bracket  2608  may be varied based on the positioning of the aperture  118 ′ in the flange  108 B. 
     Once the locking pin  116 ′ is inserted within the aperture  118 ′ and the catch  2604  of the catch device  2600 , the locking pin  116 ′ can be held in place on the flange  108 B of the cable reel  100  by magnets, such as the magnets  2510  of the locking pin  116 ′. According to embodiments, the magnets  2510  have a pull force capable of holding the locking pin  116 ′ on the cable reel  100  without assistance as well as allowing the locking pin  116 ′ to be removed from the cable reel  100  and relocated when needed. When not in use, the locking pin  116 ′ can be stored on the cable reel  100  by, for example, mounting the locking pin  116 ′ on a rib of the flange  108 B using the magnets  2510 . Although two, circular magnets are illustrated in  FIGS. 25A-25C , it should be understood that more or less magnets of a variety of shapes can be used. The magnets  2510  can be attached to the face  2514  of the plate  2502  by fastening means such as screws, bolts, nails, or the like, welding, gluing, or combinations thereof. 
     According to embodiments, the locking pin  116 ′ allows many conventional take-up and pay-off systems to be used with the cable reel  100 . Typically, take-up and pay-off systems include a mechanism, such as a drive pin, that engages a reel and helps hold the reel as the reel is lifted off the ground by the take-up and pay-off systems to permit the reel to be rotated. The drive pins of such take-up and pay-off systems are typically constructed to work with standard cable reels having just two flanges fixed to a drum, not with the cable reel  100  as described by embodiments herein. However, when the locking pin  116 ′ is inserted within the aperture  118 ′ of the cable reel  100  and received by the catch device  2600 , the locking pin  116 ′ locks rotation of the flange  108 B with rotation of the drum  402  of the cable reel  100  and creates a passage, via either the hollow cavity  2518  of the tube  2504  or the opening  2512  and the hollow cavity  2518  of the tube  2504 , that is accessible from the back  2516  of the plate  2502 , allowing the drive pin of a conventional take-up and pay-off system to be inserted through the passage to engage the cable reel  100 . Accordingly, the locking pin  116 ′ allows the cable reel  100  to be used on conventional take-up and pay-off systems without requiring employment of a specialized drive pin. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 1 , the cable reel  100  can further include a chock  122  to limit the rotation of the flange  108 A. The chock  122  can be removably affixed to various components of the cable reel  100 . In  FIG. 1 , the chock  122  is shown as being affixed to the flange  108 A. If it is desirable or needed to limit the movement of the cable reel  100  along the ground, the chock  122  can be removed from the flange  108 A and placed in a suitable location, typically at or near a location of the flange  108 A in contact with the ground. Once suitably located, the chock  122  can provide a physical impediment to the rotation of the flange  108 A, thus preventing or reducing the amount of movement of the cable reel  100  along the ground. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the use of the chock  122  as a way to reduce or abate movement of the cable reel  100  along the ground. Other technologies may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Further, it should be appreciated that the movement of the flange  108 B may be limited in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of the cable reel  100  in one configuration. As illustrated, the axle  104  is inserted through the central volume  106  of the drum  102 . In some conventional cable reels, the drum and the flanges are one integral unit, typically made of wood. The force of pulling the cable from the conventional cable reel imparts a rotational force on the drum, which because of the integral construction, imparts a rotation force on the flanges. In that example, in order to payoff the conventional cable reel, the cable reel would need to be mounted onto an apparatus in such a way as to allow the rotation of the flanges. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a way in which a rotational force applied to the drum  102  may not be transferred to the flanges  108 . In one configuration, the outer surface of the axle  104  and the inner surface of the central volume  106  are cylindrical in nature, allowing the drum  102  to rotate about the axle  104 . In addition, as discussed further below, the flanges  108  are rotatably mounted to the axle  104  by bearings  110  and are not attached or physically connected to the drum  102  when the locking pin  116  is removed from the apertures  118  and  120 . This can provide a first degree of rotational freedom for the cable reel  100 . In some configurations, this can allow the drum  102  of the cable reel  100  to allow cable to be wound onto or wound off of the drum  102  (paid off) without requiring the rotation of any other portions of the cable reel  100 . When installing or removing cable from the cable reel  100 , the movement of the cable will cause the drum  102  to rotate about the axle  104  without also rotating the flanges  108 . In doing so, in some configurations, there may not be a need for special mounting equipment for the cable reel  100  that helps to facilitate the rotation of the drum  102 , since the drum  102  can rotate independently, while allowing the flanges  108  to be rotationally stationary. 
     Although the axle  104  and the drum  102  are illustrated as separate components, the axle  104  and the drum  102  may be combined into an integrated apparatus. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the drum  102  includes a first end  101 . The first end  101  receives the bearing  110 A to rotatably mount the drum  102  onto the flange  108 A. As illustrated, the drum  102  remains independently rotatable with respect to the flanges  108 . In some configurations, the first end  101  of the drum  102  and the flange  108 A can be further secured using the end collar  112 A and the shaft collar  114 A. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2A , as mentioned briefly above, the flanges  108  are mounted onto the axle  104  by bearings  110 . The bearing  110 A provides for a second degree of rotational freedom for flange  108 A and the bearing  110 B provides for a third degree of rotational freedom for flange  108 B about the axle  104 . In particular, the bearings  110 A and  110 B allow the flanges  108 A and  108 B to rotate independently of one another as well as the drum  102 . 
     The bearings  110  can be of various types of construction. For example, the bearings  110  can be thrust bearings using ball bearings to facilitate the rotation of the flanges  108  about the axle  104 . The bearings  110  can also be, but are not limited to, roller bearings or ball bearings. It should be appreciated that the flanges  108  may be rotationally mounted to the axle  104  without the use of the bearings  110  so as to allow the flanges  108  to rotate about the axle  104 . Various embodiments of the present disclosure use bearings to reduce wear and tear on the various parts of the cable reel  100 , while also reducing the amount of torque that may be needed to rotate the flanges  108 . 
     As mentioned briefly above, the required width between the flanges  108  may vary depending on the particular installation or on the particular operation being performed. For example, the cable reel  100  may need to be used with multiple drums, or one drum of one length may need to be switched out to one or more drums of different lengths. In those cases, it may be desired to adjust the width between the flanges  108 . In other embodiments, the width between the flanges  108  may need to be increased or decreased to change the pressure and friction between the inner walls of the flanges  108  and a cable wound on the drum  102 . In one configuration, the location of the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B on the axle  104  can be changed to adjust the width between the flanges  108 .  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate a way in which the width between the flanges  108  may be adjusted. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B at locations “S” and “W” along axle  104  to provide for a width between the flanges  108  of “Z”. To facilitate the movement of the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B from locations “S” and “W”, the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B can be relocated to another position. The concepts and technologies described herein may use various securement technologies to secure the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B onto the axle  104 . For example, the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B may be bolted onto the axle  104 . In another example, the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B may be pipe clamps that are secured using screws. These and other securement technologies are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     Further illustrated is cable  105  wound around the drum  102 . When in the configuration of  FIG. 3A , the width “Z” causes the cable  105  to be compressed against the inner walls of the flanges  108 . As discussed above, while in transport or other similar operation, placing the cable reel  100  in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3A  can help secure the drum  102  by reducing the ability of the drum  102  to rotate due to the pressure imparted onto the cable  105  by the inner walls of the flanges  108 . Although this may provide certain benefits in operations in which it is desirable or necessary to compress the cable  105  against the flanges  108 , it may be beneficial to reduce the compressive forces by moving the flanges  108  to another position along the axle  104  to provide a relatively larger width between the flanges  108 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates one implementation in which the width between the flanges  108  may be increased. 
     In  FIG. 3B , the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B have been moved from locations “S” and “W” to locations “M” and B″ along with axle  104  to provide for a width of “Y,” which is greater than the width “Z” illustrated in  FIG. 3A . The larger width of “Y” can increase the space in which the cable  105  can be located. The cable  105  is shown in  FIG. 3B  as being decompressed when compared to the cable  105  when in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3A . The decompression of the cable  105  can reduce the amount of contact and the amount of pressure between the cable  105  and the flanges  108 . This can reduce the amount of pulling force necessary to payoff the cable  105 . 
     As mentioned above, moving the shaft collars  114 A and  114 B from the width “Z” between the flanges  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , to a larger width, such as the width “Y” illustrated in  FIG. 3B , can also allow for a change from one drum of one length to a drum of another length or from one drum to several drums.  FIG. 3C  illustrates a cable reel  100  configured to handle several drums. In  FIG. 3C , the flanges  108 A and  108 B are placed at locations “G” and “T,” respectively, along the axle  104  to provide for the width of “Y” between the flanges  108 . The second width of “Y” can allow the drum  102  of  FIG. 2  to be replaced with drums  302 A and  302 B. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the end collar  112 A and the shaft collar  114 A have been removed from the axle  104 . The removal of the end collar  112 A and the shaft collar  114 A from the axle  104  can allow the drum  102  to be removed from the cable reel  100  along the length of the axle  104 . Subsequently, another drum, such as the drums  302 A and  302 B, may then be installed on the axle  104 . To secure the drums  302 A and  302 B onto the cable reel  100 , the end collar  112 A and the shaft collar  114 A can be reinstalled in the configuration illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 3B . 
     The ability to modify the configuration of the cable reel  100  from one drum to multiple drums may provide benefits in various situations. For example, the cable reel  100  may be used to install a single type of cable in one installation and, in a subsequent installation, be used to install multiple types of cables. Instead of using multiple cable reels, the cable reel  100  can be reconfigured from handling a single type of cable, using the drum  102 , to handling multiple types of cable on multiple drums, using the drums  302 A and  302 B. 
     When winding the cable  105  onto or paying off the cable  105  from the cable reel  100 , the cable  105  may come in contact with the flanges  108 . While the cable  105  is stationary on the drum  102 , the cable  105  may be in a state in which damage may not be imparted onto the cable  105 . But, if the drum  102  is being rotated, either during a windup or payoff operation, the portion of the cable  105  closest to the flanges  108  may rub against or otherwise come in frictional contact with the flanges  108 . If the cable  105  is a sturdy cable that can handle the frictional contact, any frictional effects on the cable  105  may be minimal. But, in some implementations, the frictional contact may damage or deform the cable  105 , reducing the integrity of the cable  105 . This can be especially troublesome for cable installed below ground, where access to the cable  105  is likely impeded by either the ground or a structure such as a building. 
       FIG. 4A  is an illustration showing the cable reel  100  in a configuration that can reduce the frictional impact on the cable  105 . Shown installed on the cable reel  100  are the drum  102  and the flanges  108 . As mentioned above, if the drum  102  is rotated relative to the flanges  108 , the cable  105  proximate to the flanges may rub against or otherwise come in moving contact with the surface of the flanges  108 . The pressure, heat and abrasion that can occur may cause the cable  105  to be damaged or deformed. This can be especially true if the coefficient of friction between the cable  105  and the flanges  108  is relatively high. 
     To reduce the coefficient of friction, a material having a lower coefficient of friction may be installed as a barrier between the cable  105  and the flanges  108 . Illustrated in  FIG. 4A  is a shield  400 A and  400 B (collectively referred to herein as “the shields  400 ”) installed proximate to the flanges  108 A and  108 B, respectively, between the cable  105  and the flanges  108 A and  108 B. The shields can be a material that reduces the coefficient of friction applied to the cables. In some implementations, the material can be constructed of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON). In some implementations, the PVC or TEFLON can act as a barrier to reduce the frictional impact on the cable, while the flanges  108  are used to support the weight of the cable reel. As it should be appreciated, other materials, including non-polymers or plastic, may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4B  is an alternate shield configuration for the cable reel  100 . Illustrated in  FIG. 4B  are flanges  108  rotatably mounted onto the axle  104 . Rotatably mounted onto the axle  104  is the drum  402 . As discussed above in regard to  FIG. 4A , when a drum, such as the drum  402 , is rotated about the axle  104  while the flanges  108  remain stationary, cable on the drum  402  can come in contact with the flanges  108 . To reduce or eliminate the impact caused by the rotation of the drum  402 , the drum  402  has drum flanges  408 A and  408 B. In one implementation, the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B are fixedly mounted onto the drum  402 . In this implementation, when the drum  402  is rotated about the axle  104 , the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B also rotate at the same speed and in the same direction as the drum  402 . Thus, during installation or during payoff, damage or deformation that may be caused by frictional forces may be reduced. It should be appreciated that the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B and the drum  402  may be one unit or may be an integrated apparatus. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustrative bearing  500  that may be used for the bearings  110 A and  110 B, illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 . The bearing  500  may include a flange bearing  502  with an inner surface disposed proximate to and in contact with the outer surface of an axle, such as the axle  104  of  FIG. 1 . In some implementations, the contact may be secured based on the physical dimensions of the flange bearing  502  and the axle  104 . For example, the inner diameter of the flange bearing  502  may be just large enough to allow placement of the bearing  500  over the surface of the axle  104 . 
     In some configurations, the inner diameter of the flange bearing  502  may be so close to the outer diameter of the axle  104  that special means may be used to install the flange bearing  502  on the axle  104 . For example, the flange bearing  502  may be heated to cause the flange bearing to expand, thus allowing the flange bearing  502  to be placed onto the axle  104 . In the alternative, the axle  104  may be cooled to cause the axle  104  to contract. In some implementations, the flange bearing  502  may be forced onto the axle by means of a striking motion, such as from a hammer or other tool. In other configurations, the flange bearing  502  may be fixedly installed onto the axle  104  using adhesives or welding. The concepts and technologies described herein are not limited to any particular manner in which the flange bearings  502  are installed onto the axle. 
     In a similar manner, a flange bearing spacer  504  may be installed on the flange bearing  502 . In some configurations, the flanges, such as the flanges  108 , may not have an inner diameter close to the outer diameter of the flange bearings  502 . In this configuration, the flange bearing spacer  504  may be installed between the inner surface of the flanges  108  to which the flange bearings  502  are to be installed and the flange bearings  502  themselves. It should be appreciated that the disclosure provided herein is not limited to the type of bearing described as the flange bearings  502  or the need to include the flange bearing spacer  504 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a cable reel  600  using an alternative bearing arrangement. Illustrated in  FIG. 6  are flanges  608 A and  608 B installed on an axle  604 . The cable reel  600  also includes a drum  602  rotatably mounted onto the axle  604 . The rotational motion of the drum  602  about the axle  604  is provided by bearings  610 A and  610 B (collectively referred to herein as “the bearings  610 ”). The bearings  610  are disposed in the drum  602  rather than in the flanges  608 A and  608 B, illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , above. Specifically, in  FIG. 1 , the bearings  110  are vertically supported by the flanges  108 , whereas in  FIG. 6 , the bearings  610  are vertically supported by the drum  602 . This configuration may provide for various benefits. For example, the bearings  610  of  FIG. 6  are disposed within the cable reel  600 , whereas the bearings  110  of  FIG. 1  are disposed in the flanges  108 . This may help to protect the bearings  610  from damage caused by outside forces. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration showing the transportation of a cable reel  700  on a flatbed  742  of a truck (not illustrated). As illustrated, a cable reel  700  includes flanges  708 A and  708 B rotatably mounted onto an axle  704  having an inner void  730 . During transport, it may be desirable or required to secure the cable reel  700  to the flatbed  742 . In one configuration, the cable reel  700  axle  704  has an inner aperture  730  running the length of the axle  704 . The inner aperture  730  may be large enough to allow a chain  744  to be installed through the inner aperture  730 . In some implementations, the chain  744  has a length to allow for the chain  744  to be installed through the axle  704  and have its ends  746 A and  746 B secured to securement points  748 A and  748 B of the flatbed  742 . In this implementation, by securing the cable reel  700  to the flatbed  742  using the chain  744 , the cable reel  700  may be transported from one location to the next in a safe and legal manner. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  show further configurations for the cable reel  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Illustrated in  FIG. 8A  are the flanges  108  rotatably mounted onto opposing, distal ends of the axle  104 . As discussed above, a drum, such as the drum  402 , may be rotatably mounted onto the axle  104  such that the drum rotates independent of the axle as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , or the drum may be fixedly mounted to the axle such that the drum rotates along with the axle as the axle rotates as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . As discussed above in regard to  FIG. 4A , when a drum, such as the drum  402 , is rotated, whether that rotation is independent of the axle  104  or along with the axle, while the flanges  108  remain stationary, cable on the drum  402  can come in contact with the flanges  108 . To reduce or eliminate the impact caused by the rotation of the drum  402 , the drum  402  has drum flanges  408 A and  408 B. Consistent with embodiments, the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B are fixedly mounted onto the drum  402 . In this embodiment, when the drum  402  is rotated, according to some embodiments independently of the axle  104  or according to other embodiments along with the axle  104 , the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B also rotate at the same speed and in the same direction as the drum  402 . Thus, during installation or during payoff, damage or deformation that may be caused by frictional forces may be reduced. In addition, when the flanges  108  are rotated (e.g., during transport of the cable reel  100 ), the drum  402  may not rotate or rotate very little since the flanges  108  and the drum rotate independently of one another. The lack of rotation the drum  402  exhibits when the flanges  108  are rotated may ease transportation due to a lack of rotational inertia exhibited by the drum  402 . In other words, moving the cable reel  100  may be easier because when a user tries to stop the cable reel  100 , rotational inertia of the drum  402  will not be as great, and the user will only need to break the linear inertia exhibited by the drum as opposed to both the linear inertia and the rotational inertia. It should be appreciated that the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B and the drum  402  may be one unit or may be an integrated apparatus. 
     In addition, to reduce friction and possible binding between the flanges  108  and the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B, a first space  802  (shown in  FIG. 8B ) may be created between the flange  108 A and the drum flange  408 A as well as between the flange  108 B and the drum flange  408 B. Although only the configuration of the flange  108 A, the drum flange  408 A, and the first space  802  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8B and 8C  and discussed below, it should be understood that the configuration of the flange  108 B, the drum flange  408 B, and the first space  802  of the cable reel  100  is the same, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first space  802  may be sized to reduce the need for grease or other lubricants between the flanges  108  and the drum flanges  408 A and  408 B. In addition, the first space  802  may be sized to prohibit insertion of a thumb, finger, or other limb of a user between the flange  108 A and the drum flange  408 A. However, the first space  802  may collect dirt and other debris during use. To help minimize dirt and debris accumulation within the first space  802 , the flanges  108  may include a lip  804  as shown in  FIG. 8B . The lip  804  may be a separate piece of material that is attached to the flanges  108  and can be removed. Having the lip  804  be removable may assist in replacing the lip  804  due to excessive wear. In addition, removing the lip  804  may assist in regular maintenance by allowing service personal to access the first space  802  for cleaning and lubricating without having to disassemble the cable reel  100  or completely remove the flanges  108 . Accordingly to further embodiments, the flanges  108  and the lip  804  may be one unit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the lip  804  may extend from the flange  108 A and be flush with a side  806  of the drum flange  408 A. Consistent with embodiments, the lip  804  may extend past an edge  808  of the flange  108 A and thus past the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A, or the lip  804  may extend only partially across the edge  808  of the drum flange  408 A. The extension of the lip  804  may create a second space  810  between the lip  804  and the edge  808  of the drum flange  408 A. The second space  810  may be sized to be large enough to reduce the need for grease or other lubricants between the flanges  108  and drum flanges  408 . However, the second space  810  may also be small enough such that debris and other materials that may increase friction between the drum flanges  408  and the flanges  108  cannot easily enter and collect within the second space  810 . In addition, the second space  810  may be sized to prohibit insertion of a thumb, finger, or other limb of a user between the flange  108 A and the edge  808  of the drum flange  408 A. For example, the second space  810  may be large enough not to cause binding, yet small enough to prevent small rocks, wood chips, other construction type debris, or limbs of users from entering or getting stuck. For example, in various embodiments, the second space  810  may provide for ¼ of an inch clearance between the flange  108 A and the drum flange  408 A. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 8C , the lip  804  may include an angled surface  812  to help minimize debris collecting within the second space  810 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8C , a protective cover  812  may be attached to either the flange  108 A or the drum flange  408 A to provide a physical barrier to hinder debris from entering the second space  810 . The protective cover  812  may be a plastic, metallic, or ceramic material. If the protective cover  812  is attached to the flange  108 A (e.g., at a side  814  of the lip  804 ), a portion of the protective cover  812  overlapping the drum flange  408 A may rest against a portion of the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A or may overlap the portion of the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A and be positioned proximate the portion of the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A without resting against the portion of the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A. If the protective cover  812  is attached to the drum flange  408 A (e.g., at the side  806  of the drum flange  408 A), a portion of the protective cover  812  overlapping the lip  804  may rest against a portion of the side  814  of the lip  804  or may overlap the portion of the side  814  of the lip  804  and be positioned proximate the portion of the side  814  of the lip  804  without resting against the portion of the side  814  of the lip  804 . 
     The first space  802  and the second space  810  may create equal spacing between the drum flange  408 A and the flange  108 A, or the spacings created by the first space  802  and the second space  810  may be different. According to exemplary embodiments, for instance, the first space  802  may provide for a distance of ½ of an inch between the drum flange  408 A and the flange  108 A, and the second space  810  may provide for a distance of ¼ of an inch between the drum flange  408 A and the flange  108 A. 
       FIG. 9  shows a further configuration of the cable reel  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the cable reel  100  includes an over-spin control  902  and a brake disc  904 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the flanges  108  are rotatably mounted onto the axle  104 . As discussed above, a drum, such as the drum  402 , may be rotatably mounted onto the axle  104  such that the drum  402  rotates independent of the axle  104  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , or the drum  402  may be fixedly mounted to the axle  104  such that the drum  402  rotates along with the axle  104  as the axle  104  rotates, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . As discussed above in regard to  FIG. 4A , the flanges  108  of the cable reel  100  remain stationary while the drum  402  rotates, whether the rotation of the drum  402  is independent of the axle  104  or along with the axle  104 . However, at times, such as when cable, like the cable  105 , is loaded on the drum  402 , it may be desirable to have the drum  402  locked to at least one of the flanges  108  (e.g., the flange  108 A as shown in  FIG. 9 ). The over-spin control  902  in conjunction with the brake disc  904  may be used to lock the flange  108 A and the drum  402  together to hinder separate rotation of the flanges  108  and the drum  402 . In addition, the over-spin control  902  may provide resistance such that the flanges  108  rotate independent of the drum  402 , but with a back tension to prevent excess slack from developing within a cable, such as the cable  105 , when the cable  105  is being paid off the cable reel  100 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates further details of the over-spin control  902  of  FIG. 9 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The over-spin control  902  includes a brake pad  1002 , a threaded shaft  1004 , a locking nut  1006 , a fixed nut  1008 , an over-spin control body  1010 , a spring  1012 , and a piston  1014 . The piston  1014  may be connected to the brake pad  1002  via a bolt  1016 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the over-spin control  902  is located, at least partially, within the drum  402 . The over-spin control  902  may be connected to the flange  108 A. For example, the threaded shaft  1004  may protrude through the flange  108 A, and a portion of the flange  108 A may be sandwiched between the over-spin control body  1010  and the fixed nut  1008 . To secure the over-spin control  902  in a desired position, the user may cinch the locking nut  1006  to the fixed nut  1008  to prevent rotation of the threaded shaft  1004 . Still consistent with embodiments, the portion of the flange  108 A may be sandwiched between the fixed nut  1008  and the locking nut  1006 . In this instance, friction between the threaded shaft  1004  and the fixed nut  1008  and the locking nut  1006  may be sufficient to secure the over-spin control  902 . 
     During use of the cable reel  100 , the flanges  108  may rotate freely of the drum  402 . To engage the over-spin control  902  and sync rotation of the flanges  108  and the drum  402 , or increase the back tension and allow the flanges  108  to continue to rotate independently of the drum  402 , a user may rotate the threaded shaft  1004  in a first direction. Rotation of the threaded shaft  1004  in the first direction causes the threaded shaft  1004  to apply a force to the spring  1012 , which in turn applies a force to the piston  1014 , which in turn presses the brake pad  1002  against the brake disc  904  resulting in an increased coefficient of static friction. To rotate the threaded shaft  1004 , the user may use a wrench or a knob (not shown) attached to the end of the threaded shaft  1004 . 
     To release the pressure exerted by the brake pad  1002  on the brake disc  904 , and thus decrease the back tension, the threaded shaft  1004  may be rotated in a second direction. Rotation of the threaded shaft  1004  in the second direction causes the force applied to the spring  1012  by the threaded shaft  1004  to decrease, which in turn causes the force applied to the piston  1014  by the spring  1012  to decrease, which in turn causes the force applied by the piston  1014  to the brake pad  1002  to decrease resulting in a decreased coefficient of static friction. Consistent with the embodiments, the threaded shaft  1004  may be connected directly to the piston  1014  or the brake pad  1002 . Still consistent with embodiments, the spring  1012  may be connected directly to the brake pad  1002 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a scotch  1100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The scotch  1100  may be used to hinder rotation of the flanges  108 . For clarity purposes only, the flange  108 B is shown, but the scotch  1100  may be located on the flange  108 A, the flange  108 B, or both of the flanges  108 . 
     The scotch  1100  may be connected to the axle  104 . The scotch  1100  may include an opening  1102  that allows the scotch  1100  to traverse the axle  104  in a first direction, indicated by an arrow  1110 , perpendicular to an axis of the axle  104  and in a second direction, indicated by an arrow  1114 , perpendicular to the axis of the axle  104  and opposite the first direction. In addition, the scotch  1100  may include stoppers  1104  and a handle  1106 . The stoppers  1104  may protrude into pockets  1108  as shown in  FIG. 11A  or other recesses (not shown) in the flange  108 B. 
     While the cable reel  100  is being rotated, the stoppers  1104  may rest in the pockets  1108  attached to the flange  108 B, as shown in  FIG. 11A . Once the cable reel  100  is in a desired location, a user may pull the handle  1106 , which may cause the scotch  1100  to flex. The flexing motion allows the stoppers  1104  to clear the pockets  1108 . Once the stoppers  1104  have cleared the pockets  1108 , the scotch  1100  may traverse in the first direction (as indicated by the arrow  1110 ) until the stoppers  1104  clear the edge of the flange  108 B. As shown in  FIG. 11B , after the stoppers  1104  have cleared the edge of the flange  108 B, the scotch  1100  may return to an unflexed state and the stoppers  1104  may rest between the edge of the flanges  108 B and a surface (not shown) supporting the cable reel  100  and provide an obstacle to prevent the flange  108 B from rotating. The stoppers  1104  may be returned to the pockets  1108  by moving the scotch  1100  in the second direction (as indicated by the arrow  1114 ) when the cable reel  100  needs to be rotated to be transported to a new location or otherwise repositioned. 
     The scotch  1100  may be constructed of a metal, polymer, or other material that may allow the scotch  1100  to flex such that the stoppers  1104  can be deployed. As shown in  FIG. 11A , the scotch  1100  may include curved portions  1112  that may facilitate flexing the scotch  1100  during use. In addition, a hinge  1116  (shown in  FIG. 11B ) or other mechanisms may be used to allow the scotch  1100  to bend and not cause binding between the axle  104  and the opening  1102 . For example, the hinge  1116  may be placed proximate the curved portions  1112 . The scotch  1100  may be made up of an upper half  1120  and a lower half  1122 . The hinge  1116  may allow the lower half  1122  to be pulled away from the flange  108 B so that the upper half  1120  of the scotch  1100  may traverse the axle  104  without binding. 
     While  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show the scotch  1100  mechanically fastened to the axle  104 , still consistent with embodiments, the scotch  1100  may comprise magnetic fasteners that may facilitate securing the scotch  1100  to the cable reel  100 , while still allowing the scotch  1100  to be repositioned. For example, magnets (not shown) may be attached or embedded within stoppers  1104 . The magnets may allow the stoppers  1104  to adhere to a side of the flange  108 B for storage. During deployment of the scotch  1100 , the stoppers  1104  may be removed from the pockets  1108  and placed in a desired position. 
       FIG. 12  shows a bearing assembly  1200 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The bearing assembly  1200  includes a first bearing  1202  and a second bearing  1204 . The first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  each includes a plurality of rollers  1206  and  1208 , respectively. 
     The first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  may be press fitted into a flange, such as the flange  108 B. Although  FIG. 12  illustrates a bearing assembly  1200  in association with the flange  108 B, it should be understood that a second bearing assembly comprising the same configuration may be used in association with the flange  108 A. The axle  104  passes through the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204 . A collar  1210  is used to secure the flange  108 B to the axle  104 . The collar  1210  may screw onto a treaded portion of the axle  104 , be press fitted onto the axle  104 , or may be bolted to the axle  104 . During construction of the cable reel  100 , the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  may slide over the axle  104 . Due to possible imperfections within the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204 , the flange  108 B may not have a tight fit with regards to the axle  104 . In other words, the flange  108 B may wobble on the axle  104  due to slack in the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204 . To remove the slack, the collar  1210  may press against the first bearing  1202 , which may in turn press against the second bearing  1204 . The increased pressure may cause the slack in the first and second bearings  1202 ,  1204  to diminish. In addition, when use of the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  causes wear, the collar  1210  may be readjusted to remove any slack that develops. 
     As illustrated by  FIG. 12 , the plurality of rollers  1206  and  1208  may be at an angle that is not parallel or perpendicular to the axle  104 . For example, the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  may be tapered bearings. Having the plurality of rollers  1206  and  1208  at angles allows the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  to accommodate both radial and axial loads. As a result, use of tapered bearings, such as the first and second bearings  1202  and  1204 , may allow the cable reel  100  to be constructed without having to have separate bearings to accommodate both radial and axial loads. Grease or other lubricants may be packed into the first bearing  1202  and the second bearing  1204  to decrease wear and reduce rolling resistance. 
       FIG. 13  shows a wire guide assembly  1300  attached to the cable reel  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The wire guide assembly  1300  includes a first support  1302 , a second support  1304 , a cross-bar  1306 , and a wire guide  1308 . The first support  1302  and the second support  1304  are attached to the flanges  108 A and  108 B, respectively, as shown in greater detail with regards to the first support and the flange  108 B in  FIG. 14 . During use, the drum  402  may rotate while the flanges  108 A and  108 B remain stationary. As the drum  402  rotates, cable, such as the cable  105  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ), may pass through the wire guide  1308 . In addition, during operation, the wire guide  1308  may oscillate as shown by arrow  1310  to help accommodate placement of the cable  105 . The oscillation of the wire guide  1308  may be caused by a force acting on the wire guide  1308  by the cable. For example, as the cable passes through the wire guide  1308 , the cable may strike a portion of the wire guide  1308  and cause the wire guide to move as indicated by arrow  1310 . The movement of the wire guide  1308  by forces impacted from the cable may allow the wire guide  1308  to self-center around the wire guide  1308 . Still consistent with various embodiments, the wire guide  1308  may have a fixed position on the cross-bar  1306 . For instance, the wire guide  1308  may be fixed in the center of the cross-bar  1306 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the first support  1302  attached to the flange  108 A, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first support  1302  includes a plate  1402 , a clamp  1404 , and a cross-bar support  1406 . During installation, the plate  1402  rests against a portion of the flange  108 A, and a crank  1408  is used to tighten the clamp  1404  thereby securing the first support  1302  to the flange  108 A. The cross-bar support  1406  extends from the plate  1402  and connects the cross-bar  1306  to the first support  1302 . For example, the cross-bar  1306  may be bolted to the cross-bar support  1406  or may fit through an orifice (not shown) in the cross-bar support  1406 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a connector assembly  1500 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector assembly  1500  includes a body  1502 , a panel connection  1504 , and a wire guide assembly connector  1506 . During use, the wire guide assembly connector  1506  may pass through a bracket  1508  located on the wire guide assembly  1300 . The wire guide assembly connector  1506  may be secured to the bracket  1508  using a pin (not shown) and a plurality of holes  1510  located in the wire guide assembly connector  1506 . The panel connection  1504  connects to an electrical panel  1512 . During use, the connector assembly  1500  helps to secure the cable reel  100  into position and keep the cable reel  100  from moving when the cable  105  is paid off the cable reel  100 . The cable  105  may pass through the wire guide  1308  and over a roller  1514  before passing through the panel connector  1506 . Once the cable  105  passes through the panel connector  1506 , the cable  105  goes to the electrical panel  1512 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , disclosed herein exhibit various characteristics that are an improvement over existing cable reels.  FIG. 16  shows a graph illustrating an average force needed to cause a cable reel, such as the cable reel  100 , to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90° for various configurations in comparison to an average force needed to cause an existing cable reel to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90°. One configuration includes an empty cable reel. An empty cable reel, as used herein, is a cable reel, such as the cable reel  100 , with no wire or cable loaded onto the cable reel. A second configuration is a full cable reel. Examples of a full cable reel include, but are not limited to, a cable reel, such as the cable reel  100 , having as much wire or cable as will fit on the cable reel, or a cable reel including an amount of wire or cable sold for a particular size reel. For example, a 48 inch cable reel may be sold with 2,500 feet of wire or cable installed. The 48 inch cable reel with 2,500 feet of wire or cable as sold would be considered a full cable reel. 
     The data in  FIG. 16  is for cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , having a drum, such as the drum  402 , of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. The speed at which a cable reel is moved as well as the weight of the cable reel can impact the force required to move the cable reel. The weight of an empty cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments, for the data shown in  FIG. 16  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments, for the data shown in  FIG. 16  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 16  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 16  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     Table 1 shows a normalized average force needed to cause cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90°. The normalized force is the force needed to cause motion of the cable reel divided by the weight of the cable reel. For example, for an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments, the average forced needed to cause an unassisted rotation of the flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) from a stationary position through 90° for a 573 pound cable reel is about 4.34 pounds. Thus, the normalized average force needed to cause the unassisted rotation is 4.34 lbs divided by 573 lbs, which equals 0.0075. An unassisted rotation is a rotation where no machines or other equipment are used to rotate the drum or flanges of the cable reel. For unassisted rotation, a machine may be used to pull the wire or cable off the cable reel, but a machine or cable reel support may not be used to rotate the cable reel, the drum, or lift the cable reel into the air. 
       FIG. 16  and Table 1 show two full cable reel linear speeds, one being 10.5 feet per minute (LS) and the second being 55 feet per minute (MS). The linear speed is the speed along the ground an axle, such as the axle  104 , traverses as flanges, such as the flanges  108 , rotate. The procedure for collecting data used to form  FIG. 16  and Table 1 is listed below. As shown in Table 1, the normalized forces for cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , according to exemplary embodiments are reduced as compared to the normalized forces for existing cable reels. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Normalized Average Force 
               
               
                 Average Force 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Empty 
                 Full (LS) 
                 Full (MS) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cable 
                 0.00757 
                 0.00183 
                 0.00333 
               
               
                   
                 Reel 100 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Existing 
                 0.01085 
                 0.00458 
                 0.00370 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 17  shows a graph showing an average maximum force needed to cause cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90° for various configurations. One configuration includes an empty cable reel, or a cable reel with no wire or cable loaded onto the cable reel. A second configuration is a full cable reel. 
     The data in  FIG. 17  is for cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , having a drum  402  of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. Just as with the average force, the speed at which a cable reel is moved as well as the weight of the cable reel can impact the maximum force required to move the cable reel. The weight of an empty cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments, for the data shown in  FIG. 17  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel, according to exemplary embodiments, for the data shown in  FIG. 17  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 17  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 17  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     Just as in Table 1, Table 2 shows normalized forces, (i.e., average maximum forces for multiple tests) needed to cause cable reels to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90°. The normalized maximum force is the force needed to cause motion of the cable reel divided by the weight of the cable reel. For example, for an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments, the maximum average force needed to cause an unassisted rotation of the flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) from a stationary position through an angle of 90° for a 573 pound cable reel is about 10.92 pounds. Thus, the normalized maximum average force needed to cause the unassisted rotation is 10.92 lbs divided by 573 lbs, which equals 0.019. 
       FIG. 17  and Table 2 also show two full cable reel linear speeds, one being 10.5 feet per minute (LS) and the second being 55 feet per minute (MS). The linear speed is the speed along the ground an axle, such as the axle  104 , traverses as flanges, such as the flanges  108 , rotate. The procedure for collecting data used to form  FIG. 17  and Table 2 is listed below. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Normalized Average Maximum Force 
               
               
                 Max Force - Average 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Empty 
                 Full (LS) 
                 Full (MS) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cable 
                 0.01906 
                 0.00845 
                 0.02121 
               
               
                   
                 Reel 100 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Existing 
                 0.02752 
                 0.01643 
                 0.01228 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 18  shows a graph showing a maximum point force needed to cause cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , to rotate from a stationary position through 90° for various configurations. The maximum point force is the maximum force experienced during a test. One configuration includes an empty cable reel, or a cable reel with no wire or cable loaded onto the cable reel. A second configuration is a full cable reel. 
     The data in  FIG. 18  is for cable reels having a drum, such as the drum  402 , of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. Just as with the average force, the speed at which a cable reel is moved as well as the weight of the cable reel can impact the maximum force required to move the cable reel. The weight of an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 18  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 18  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 18  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 18  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     Just as in Tables 1 and 2, Table 3 shows normalized forces (i.e., maximum forces exhibited for multiple tests) needed to cause cable reels to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90°. The normalized maximum point force is the force needed to cause motion of the cable reel divided by the weight of the cable reel. For example, for an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments, the maximum point force needed to cause an unassisted rotation of the flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) from a stationary position through 90° for a 573 pound cable reel is about 13.00 pounds. Thus, the normalized maximum point force needed to cause the unassisted rotation is 13.00 lbs divided by 573 lbs, which equals 0.022. 
       FIG. 18  and Table 3 also show two full cable reel linear speeds, one being 10.5 feet per minute (LS) and the second being 55 feet per minute (MS). The linear speed is the speed along the ground the axle, such as the axle  104 , traverses as the flanges, such as the flanges  108 , rotate. The procedure for collecting data used to form  FIG. 18  and Table 3 is listed below. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Normalized Maximum Force 
               
               
                 Max Force - Point 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Empty 
                 Full (LS) 
                 Full (MS) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cable 
                 0.02269 
                 0.01167 
                 0.02334 
               
               
                   
                 Reel 100 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Existing 
                 0.03404 
                 0.01812 
                 0.01720 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 19  shows a graph showing a standard deviation for a force needed to cause cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , to rotate from a stationary position through an angle of 90° for various configurations. One configuration includes an empty cable reel, or a cable reel with no wire or cable loaded onto the cable reel. A second configuration is a full cable reel. 
     The data in  FIG. 19  is for cable reels having a drum, such as the drum  402 , of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. Just as with the average force, the speed at which a cable reel is moved as well as the weight of the cable reel can impact the standard deviations. The weight of an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 19  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 19  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 19  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 19  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     Table 4 shows a normalized data during unassisted rotations from a stationary position through an angle of 90°. The normalized data is the standard deviation divided by the weight of the cable reel. For example, for an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments, the standard deviation during rotation of the flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) from a stationary position through 90° for a 573 pound cable reel is about 2.58 pounds. Thus, the normalized standard deviation during rotation is 2.58 lbs divided by 573 lbs, which equals 0.0045. 
       FIG. 19  and Table 4 also show two full cable reel linear speeds, one being 10.5 feet per minute (LS) and the second being 55 feet per minute (MS). The linear speed is the speed along the ground the axle traverses as the flanges rotate. The procedure for collecting data used to form  FIG. 19  and Table 4 is listed below. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Normalized Standard Deviation 
               
               
                 Standard Deviation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Empty 
                 Full (LS)  
                 Full (MS) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cable 
                 0.00450 
                 0.00170 
                 0.00548 
               
               
                   
                 Reel 100 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Existing 
                 0.00638 
                 0.00370 
                 0.00344 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 20  shows a diagram for the procedure for acquiring the data shown in  FIGS. 16-19 . The procedure includes acquiring a cable reel, such as the cable reel  100 , with a desired amount of wire or cable to be tested. For example, an empty cable reel might be selected or a full cable reel might be selected. A force gauge  2002  is connected to a puller  2004  and aligned with the center of the cable reel  100 . The force gauge  2002  can be connected to a rope or other cable  2006  that is connected to the cable reel  100 . For example, a block (e.g., a 2×4 piece of lumber) may be attached to the cable reel  100  via the flanges  108 , and the rope or other cable  2006  may be connected to the block. 
     The rope or other cable  2006  is connected at a 0° angle as shown in  FIG. 20 . After everything is connected, the puller  2004  pulls the rope or other cable  2006  at a constant speed (e.g., 10.5 feet per minute or 55 feet per minute), and the force is recorded via the force gauge  2002 . Data is recorded as the cable reel  100  rotates until the end of the rope or cable  2006  attached to the cable reel  100  has traveled 90° as shown by arrow  2008 . During the testing, the axle  104  of the cable reel  100  may travel in a linear direction at a linear speed as shown by arrow  2012 . During testing, a surface  2010  on which the cable reel  100  rolls should be smooth and approximately level. 
       FIG. 21  shows a graph showing an average force needed to pay off 241 inches of cable (e.g., SOUTHWIRE 550-37 compressed cable) from a full cable reel. A forklift connected to a free end of the cable is used to pull 241 inches of cable from the full cable reel. The forklift is set at the minimum speed for the forklift (10.5 feet per minute). The data in  FIG. 21  is for cable reels having a drum of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. The weight of an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 21  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 21  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 21  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 21  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , according to exemplary embodiments experience a dramatic decrease in overall force required to pull wire or cable from the drum. Existing cable reels required on average of 88.28 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable, whereas cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , required on average of only 13.85 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable. In other words, existing cable reels require about 630 percent more force to pull the same length of cable.  FIG. 22  shows the standard deviation for overall forces needed to pull cable from a cable reel. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the standard deviation for cable reels according to exemplary embodiments is substantially less than the standard deviation for existing cable reels. This difference, in conjunction with the data shown in at least  FIGS. 21 and 23  (described below), provides confidence that cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , according to exemplary embodiments are far easier to use than existing cable reels. 
       FIG. 23  shows a graph showing maximum forces needed to pay off 241 inches of cable (e.g., SOUTHWIRE 550-37 compressed cable) from a full cable reel. A forklift connected to a free end of the cable is used to pull 241 inches of cable from the full cable reel. The forklift is set at the minimum speed for the forklift (10.5 feet per minute). The data in  FIG. 23  is for cable reels having a drum of approximately 24 inches in diameter, flanges (e.g., flanges  108 ) of approximately 48 inches in diameter, and a traverse dimension of approximately 26 inches. The weight of an empty cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 23  is approximately 573 pounds. The weight of a full cable reel according to exemplary embodiments for the data shown in  FIG. 23  is approximately 2,339 pounds. The weight of an empty existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 23  is approximately 282 pounds and the weight of a full existing cable reel for the data shown in  FIG. 23  is approximately 2081 pounds. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , cable reels according to exemplary embodiments experience a dramatic decrease in overall force required to pull wire or cable from the drum. For example, existing cable reels required on average a maximum point force (i.e., a highest force during testing) of 123.1 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable, whereas cable reels, such as the cable reel  100 , showed on average a maximum point force of 25.00 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable. In other words, existing cable reels require about 492 percent more force to pull the same length of cable. Existing drums required an average maximum force (i.e., average maximum forces exhibited during testing) of 120.68 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable whereas cable reels according to exemplary embodiments required an average maximum force of 23.68 pounds of force to pull 241 inches of cable. In other words, existing cable reels require about 509 percent more force to pull the same length of cable. 
     Table 5 shows normalized data for the data shown in  FIGS. 21-23 . The normalized data is various forces or the standard deviation divided by the weight of the cable reel. For example, for a full cable reel according to exemplary embodiments, the average force needed to cause rotation of the drum to pay off 241 feet of cable for a 2339 pound cable reel is about 13.85 pounds. Thus, the normalized average force needed to cause the unassisted rotation is 13.85 lbs divided by 2339 lbs, which equals 0.0059. As shown in Table 5, existing cable reels, as compared to cable reels according to exemplary embodiments, require increases in normalized pulling forces ranging from about 550 percent to over 700 percent. The increase in normalized standard deviation is about 325 percent. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 65 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Normalized Wire Pull Data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Max 
                 Max 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Average 
                 (Average) 
                 (Point) 
                 STD 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Cable 
                 0.00592 
                 0.01012 
                 0.01069 
                 0.00209 
               
               
                 Reel 100 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Existing 
                 0.04242 
                 0.05799 
                 0.05915 
                 0.00682 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Values disclosed may be at least the value listed. Values may also be at most the value listed. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.