Patent ID: 8272591

Claim:
A breakdown spool comprising: a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a substantially annular winding surface surrounding the longitudinal axis, and an insertion section formed on at least one axial end of the barrel, the insertion section comprising an annular ring spaced from the axial end and projecting radially from the winding surface; at least one flange having a support surface, and a receiving channel formed within the support surface, the receiving channel for receiving the insertion section of the barrel, the receiving channel comprising a first portion for receipt of the axial end of the barrel, and a second portion for receiving the annular ring of the insertion section, the second portion recessed within the support surface such that the annular ring mates and aligns with the support surface on the flange upon insertion of the axial end of the barrel into the first portion of the receiving channel; a locking mechanism formed as part of the barrel and the flange for axially securing the insertion section of the barrel within the receiving channel of the flange; and means for releasably fixing the radial position of the barrel within the receiving channel relative to the flange, the fixing means having a radially inwardly extending locking tab formed on the flange, the flange being resiliently flexible for axial movement, and a notch formed on the axial end of the barrel, the barrel end being rotatable within the receiving channel to a position of axial engagement between the flexible tab and the notch, the engagement of the tab with the notch fixing the radial position of the barrel within the receiving channel.