SNAP-TOGETHER REEL WITH REINFORCING COLLAR

Abstract

A reel includes a core having a first end region defining a plurality of windows, a first flange configured, in a connected state, to connect to the first end region of the core, and a first collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the first end region of the core and the first flange. The reel further includes a plurality of first latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective window of the plurality of windows so as to connect the first end region of the core to the first flange.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to apparatus for supporting wound flexible media, for example, cord, cable, fiber or wire.

BACKGROUND

The transport and use of cable, wire, optical fiber, and other wound media typically involves winding the flexible media on a spool or reel. Typical reels for construction purposes can have a traverse length (or axial height) of any length, and any flange diameter. Reels generally consist of a core around which the wound media is wrapped, and two flanges at opposite ends of the core. Such reels can be made of wood, but are often constructed of plastic and/or corrugated paper to obtain better strength-to-weight ratios. Reels further more often include steel bolts, staples, or other connectors. Such reels have many good features, but can present difficulties in recycling due to the use of different materials. Recycling used reels is a feature that can lead to reduced landfills, and overall environmental improvements.

There is a need, therefore, for a reel design that facilitates recycling while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for normal use.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a reel includes a core having a first end region defining a plurality of windows, a first flange configured, in a connected state, to connect to the first end region of the core, and a first collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the first end region of the core and the first flange. The reel further includes a plurality of first latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective window of the plurality of windows so as to connect the first end region of the core to the first flange.

In another embodiment according to the disclosure, a method of assembling a reel includes moving an end region of a core into an annular channel of a flange; engaging, with each latch member of a plurality of latch members, a respective window of a plurality of windows defined in an end region of a core so as to connect the end region to a flange; and affixing a collar to the end region and the flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reel according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the reel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the latch members of the reel of FIG. 1 in context on the flange from an exterior viewpoint.

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the latch members of the reel of FIG. 1 in context on the flange from an interior viewpoint.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the reel of FIG. 1, demonstrating how the collar, the latch member, and the window cooperate to retain the flange on the core.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional of portions of the collar, the latch member, and the core of the reel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another reel according to the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of portions of the collar, the flange, and the core of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a detail fragmentary cross-sectional view of portions of the collar, the flange, and the core of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective detail view of the ribs of the flange in the reel of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 depicts a process diagram of a method of assembling a reel according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the embodiments described herein, reference is now made to the drawings and descriptions in the following written specification. No limitation to the scope of the subject matter is intended by the references. This disclosure also includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the described embodiments as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this document pertains.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reel 10 according to the disclosure, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel 10 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reel 10 includes a first flange 12, a second flange 14, a core 18, and two collars 20. In one embodiment, all of the elements 12, 14, 18 and 20 are formed of plastic.

Flexible media, not shown, but which can include cable, wire, fiber optical cable, rope, string, etc., can be wound around the core 18 and axially retained on the core by the flanges 12, 14. As will be discussed in further detail below, each of the collars 20 has features that interact with corresponding features on the respective flange 12, 14 and corresponding features of the core 18 in a locked configuration to securely connect the flanges 12, 14 to the core 18.

The core 18 is formed as a hollow, preferably cylindrical, body 19 having a first end region 19a connected to the first flange 12 and a second end region 19b connected to the second flange 14. Each of the first and second end regions 19a, 19b defines a plurality of windows or windows 26 and a plurality of axial linear notches 28 that are defined entirely through the thickness of the hollow body 19. More specifically, each of the windows 26 extends through the hollow body 19 and is disposed proximate the respective axial end region 19a, 19b of the core 18, but is spaced apart from the end surface. Each of the notches 28 extends axially inwardly from the end surface of the respective end region 19a, 19b of the core 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 12, 14 and the collars 20 are substantially identical at each end of the core 18. The following description therefore only describes the connection between the second end region 19b of the core 18, the flange 14, and one of the collars 20, though the reader should appreciate that the flange 12 and collar 20 at the opposite end region 19a of the core 18 may be substantially identical. However, in some embodiments, the flange and collar locking arrangement described herein may be present at only one end of the core 18, and the opposite end may be connected by another desired connection arrangement.

Each of the flanges 12, 14 is shaped generally in the form of a disk that includes various ribs and features as shown, and includes a core nest or channel 72 configured to receive the axial end regions 19a, 19b of the core 18. Each of the flanges 12, 14 has an outer annulus 14a, and a hub wall 14b that is radially surrounded by the outer annulus 14a. In addition, each flange 12, 14 includes a plurality of latch members 40 disposed proximate the core channel 72. More detail regarding the latch members 40 is provided below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The collar 20 includes an annular wall 30, an annular rim 32, and a plurality of secondary latches 34. The annular wall 30 extends axially from a first end 30a coupled to the annular rim 32 to a second end 30b, and has a greater radial thickness at the first end 30a than at the second end 30b. As a result, the outer radial surface 30c of the annular wall is angled radially inwardly from the first end 30a to the second end 30b. An axial recess 37 is defined in the outer circumferential surface 30c adjacent to each of the secondary latches 34 and in a position in which it interfaces with the associated latch member 40 of the flanges 12, 14. The axial recesses 37 have a generally axially extending wall or, in other words, the wall forming the interior portion of the axial recess 37 is not angled in the manner of the outer circumferential surface 30c.

The plurality of secondary latches 34 are disposed distributed about the annular wall 30, and each secondary latch 34 is formed by a pair of notches 35 defined extending inwardly from the second end 30b of the annular wall 30. Each secondary latch 34 includes a latch arm 36, which is formed by the material of the collar 20 between the respective pair of notches 35, and a latch hook or ledge 38. The latch ledges 38 are approximately aligned with the second end 30b of the wall 30 and include a beveled surface 38a on the radially inner and axially distal end of the latch ledge 38.

When assembled, the core 18 is disposed between and connected to the first flange 12 and the second flange 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The collars 20 are configured cooperate with the latch members 40 on the flanges 12, 14 and the windows 26 of the core 18 to secure the flanges 12, 14 to the core 18.

FIG. 3A shows a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the latch members 40 in context on the flange 14 from an exterior viewpoint (i.e. from the bottom in the orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2), and FIG. 3B shows a fragmentary, perspective view of the latch member 40 in context on the flange 14 from an interior view point (i.e. from the top in the orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2). FIGS. 3A and 3B show the latch member 40 and flange 14 as they are molded or otherwise integrally formed according to a first embodiment. Each latch member 40 includes a circumferentially-extending arm 42, a block 44, and a latch portion 48, which are integrally formed with one another and with the flange 14. The latch member 40 is disposed within a cavity 52 defined proximate the core channel 72.

In particular, the latch member 40 is disposed in the cavity 52 that is defined in the hub wall 14b. The hub wall 14b is a flat surface in the form of an annulus that extends between a central opening 75 in which an axle may be inserted for rotation of the reel 10, and the core channel 72. As shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 52 is disposed radially adjacent to the end region 19b at which the hollow body 19 of the core 18 engages the flange 14 (i.e. adjacent to the core channel 72). A proximal end 42a of the arm 42 is anchored to a rib 43 or other structure of the flange 14, and a distal end 42b of the arm 42 is coupled to the block 44 and is cantilevered from the proximal end 42a. Because the material of the latch member 40 is elastically deformable, the latch member 40 is flexibly connected to the rest of the flange 14 by the distal end 42a of the arm 42, allowing for flexible movement of the block 44 and latch portion 48 upon application of force to the latch member 40.

The block 44 is connected at the distal end 42b of the arm 42 and is formed as an enlarged section that extends axially inwardly (i.e. in the direction toward the axial center of the reel 10, or toward the opposite flange 12) and radially inwardly from the arm 42. The latch portion 48 is disposed on the axially and radially inward edge of the block 44 and forms a rounded or chamfered surface 48a that is rounded or angled in the axially and radially inward directions so as to smooth the inward edge of the latch portion 48.

FIG. 4 shows a fragmentary perspective view of the reel 10, demonstrating how the collar 20, the latch member 40 of the flange 14, and the window 26 of the core 18 cooperate to retain the flange on the core 18. In FIG. 4, the core 18 is shown as partially transparent to reveal the details of the connection. FIG. 5 shows a fragmentary cross-section of relevant portions of the collar 20, the latch member 40, and the second end 19b of the body 19 of the core 18.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 14 includes structures that define a receiving channel 55 for the annular wall 30 of the collar 20. In particular, the flange 14 includes an outer circumferential wall 56, an outer axial wall 57, and an inner circumferential wall 58 that define the receiving channel 55. An axially-extending lug 59 projects radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall 56 at a circumferential location that is generally aligned with the middle of the block 44 of the latch member 40. In particular, the axially-extending lug 59 engages in the associated axial recess 37 defined in the outer circumferential surface 30c of the collar 30. To construct the reel 10 from a disconnected state, the second end region 19b of the hollow body 19 of the core 18 is aligned with the flange 14 such that the windows 26 generally align with the latch portions 48 of the latch members 40 of the flange 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The axial end region 19b of the core 18 is then advanced axially into the core channel 72. The end surface 19c of the axial end region 19b engages the rounded or chamfered surface 48a of each of the latch portions 48, redirecting the inwardly applied insertion force of the core 18 to an at least partially radially outwardly directed force acting on the latch members 40. Further advancement of the core results in elastic deformation of at least in part the latch members 40 to enable the axial end region 19b of the hollow body 19 to pass the latch portions 48. When the core 18 is fully inserted, the latch portions 48 release into their respective window 26.

In the aforementioned partially-connected or intermediate state, the latch members 40 are snap-fit into the windows 26 of the core 18, but the latch members 40 can still be deformed radially outwardly such that the latch portions 48 disengage from the windows 26. Thereafter, the collar 20 is aligned with the flange 14 such that the latch ledges 38 of each of the secondary latches 34 on the collar 20 aligns with the arm 42 of a respective one of the latch members 40, as also shown in FIG. 2, and the recesses 37 of the outer circumferential surface 30c of the collar 30 align with the lugs 59 projecting into the cavity 55. Because the arm 42 is radially thinner than the block 44 and latch portion 48, a space 53 is formed axially inward of the arm 42 between the first end 42a and second end 42b of the arm 42. The collar 20 is then inserted past the arm 42 such that the latch ledges 38 snap into the space 53 via elastic deformation, forming a snap-fit connection disabling axial movement of the collar 20 relative to the flange 14, with the interaction between the lugs 59 and the recesses 57 forming a reinforcement to disable axially outward movement of the latch members 40.

As a result, as best seen in FIG. 4, in the connected state, the latch portion 48 is coupled to the core 18 via the window 26. The annular wall 30 of the collar 20 is arranged radially outside the latch portion 48, disabling movement of the latch portion 48 outside the window 26 and, in some embodiments, providing a radially inward force to reinforce the position of the latch portion 48 in the window 26. Thus, the interaction between the latch portions 48 and the windows 26 keeps the core 18 connected to the flange 14. Further, since the latch ledges 38 are latched to the axially inward end of the arms 42, the collar 20 is disabled from pulling axially away from the flange 14. Consequently, the flange 14, core 18, and collar 20 are securely connected to one another.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the core 18 and flange 14 include an anti-rotation arrangement 78 configured to disable relative rotation between the core 18 and flange 14. The anti-rotation arrangement includes a plurality of anti-rotation lugs 82 that engage in complementary notches 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular wall 80 of the flange 14 that defines the radially inner side of the core channel 72 includes the plurality of axially extending anti-rotation lugs 82 that project radially inwardly from the annular wall 80. The anti-rotation lugs 82 are configured as linear axial protrusions that are received by the axial linear notches 28 formed in the hollow body 19 of the core 18. The interaction between the anti-rotation lugs 82 and the notches 28 inhibits the tendency of the core 18 to rotate with respect to the flange 14, which could weaken the integrity of the reel 10. The reader should appreciate that in other embodiments, the hollow body of the core may include radially outwardly projecting lugs, while the annular wall defines the notches. Alternatively, the anti-rotation arrangement may include a combination of lugs projecting from the core engaging notches in the annular wall and lugs projecting from the annular wall engaging notches in the core.

In a second embodiment, a collar similar to the collar 20 includes latches that are connected directly to the core. In particular, FIG. 6 shows an exploded, perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a reel 110 according to the disclosure. The reel 110 includes a first flange 112, a second flange 114, a core 118, and two collars 120. In one embodiment, all of the elements 112, 114, 118 and 120 are formed of plastic.

The core 118 is formed as a hollow, preferably cylindrical, body 119 having a first end region 119a connected to the first flange 112 and a second end region 119b connected to the second flange 114. Each of the first and second end regions 119a, 119b includes a plurality of windows or windows 126 and a plurality of axial linear notches 128 that are defined entirely through the thickness of the hollow body 119. More specifically, each of the windows 126 extends through the hollow body 119 and is disposed proximate the respective axial end region 119a, 119b of the core 118, but is spaced apart from the end surface. Each of the notches 128 extends axially inwardly from the end surface of the respective end region 119a, 119b of the core 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 112, 114 and the collars 120 are substantially identical at each end of the core 118. The following description therefore only describes the connection between the second end region 119b of the core 118, the flange 114, and one of the collars 120, though the reader should appreciate that the flange 112 and collar 120 at the opposite end region 119a of the core 118 may be substantially identical. However, in some embodiments, the flange and collar locking arrangement described herein may be present at only one end of the core 118, and the opposite end may be connected by another desired connection arrangement.

Each of the flanges 112, 114 is generally in the form of a disk that includes various ribs and features as shown, and includes a core nest or channel 172 configured to receive the axial end regions 119a, 119b of the core 118. Each of the flanges 112, 114 has an outer annulus 114a, and a hub wall 114b that is radially surrounded by the outer annulus 114a. Like the flanges 12, 14, the core channel 172 is disposed more or less radially between the outer annulus 114a and the hub wall 114b. Each of the flanges 112, 114 includes a plurality of axial openings 140 in the bottom of the core channel 172. More detail regarding the openings 140 is provided below in connection with FIG. 7.

The collar 120 includes an annular rim 132 and a plurality of latch members 134 projecting axially inwardly from the annular rim 132. The latch members 134 extend axially from a first, proximal, end 134a coupled to the annular rim 132 to a second, distal, end 134b. Each latch member 134 includes a latch arm 136, which defines at least one recess 137, two of which are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, and a latch hook or ledge 138 that projects radially inwardly from the latch arm 136 at the second end 134b of the latch member 134. The radially outward surface 139 of the latch arm 136 outside the recesses 137 is angled such that the proximal end 134a has a greater radial thickness than the distal end 134b. The latch ledges 138 include a beveled surface 138a on the radially inner and axially distal end of the latch ledge 138.

When assembled, the core 118 is disposed between and connected to the first flange 112 and the second flange 114, similar to the structure of the reel 10 shown in FIG. 1. The latch ledges 138 on the collars 120 are configured cooperate with the windows 126 of the core 118 to secure the flanges 112, 114 to the core 118. Flexible media, not shown, but which can include cable, wire, fiber optical cable, rope, string, etc., can be wound around the core 118 and axially retained on the core by the flanges 112, 114.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show fragmentary perspective views of the reel 110 and FIG. 9 shows a detail view of the flange 114, demonstrating how the collar 120, the latch members 134, and the windows 126 of the core 118 cooperate to retain the flange 114 on the core 118. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the core 118 is shown as transparent to reveal the details of the connection. FIG. 9 shows the region of the flange 114 adjacent to the opening 140. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the flange 114 includes structures that form a receiving channel 155 for the annular wall 130 and latch members 134 of the collar 120. More specifically, the flange 114 includes an outer circumferential wall 156, an outer axial wall 157, and an inner circumferential wall 158. In addition, the flange 114 includes an inner rim 159 arranged on an axial outer side of the flange 114 and projecting radially outwardly from the hub wall 114b. As seen in FIG. 9, the opening 140 is defined by the inner rim 159 and the inner circumferential wall 158.

Additionally, at least one angled rib 162, two of which are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, is formed projecting radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall 156. The angled ribs 162 are circumferentially aligned with the recesses 135 of the latch arm 134 such that the angled ribs extend into the recesses 135. The angled rib is configured such that the end 162a at the base of the receiving channel 155 extends further in to the receiving channel 155 than the end 162b at the outer axial end of the receiving channel 155 and, in particular, the end 162a of the angled rib 162 at the base of the receiving channel 155 extends across the entire radial thickness of the receiving channel 155.

To construct the reel 110, the core 118 is aligned with the flange 114 such that the windows 126 generally align with the openings 140 in the core channel 172, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The axial end region 119b of the core 118 is then advanced axially into the core channel 172. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 5, the inner circumferential wall 158 of the flange 114 that partly defines the core channel 172 includes a plurality of axial anti-rotation lugs 182, which are in the form of linear axial protrusions that are received by the axial linear notches 128 formed in the core 118. This interaction inhibits any tendency of the core 118 to rotate with respect to the flange 114, which can weaken the integrity of the reel 110. This interaction also helps ensure proper alignment of the core 118 and flange 114 prior to insertion of the collar 120.

Thereafter, the collar 120 is aligned with the flange 114 such that the latch ledges 138 of the latch members 134 on the collar 120 align with the openings 140 in the core channel 172 and, in particular, the recesses 135 are aligned with their associated angled ribs 162. The collar 120 is then inserted into the channel 155 such that the beveled surfaces 138a of the latch ledges 138 engage the outer end surface 119c of the hollow body 119 of the core 118, while at the same time the angled surface of the angled ribs 162 engage with the base of the recesses 135 to urge the latch members 134 radially inwardly. The latch members 134, the angled ribs 162, and the second end region 119b of the hollow body 119 elastically deform to enable the latch ledges 138 to pass into the receiving channel 155 and, when the latch ledges 138 are aligned with the windows 126, the latch ledges 138 snap into the windows 126 of the core 118.

Once the latch ledges 138 are received in the windows 126, the interaction between the latch ledges 138 and the windows 126 disables axial movement of the collar 120 relative to the core 118. Further, the angled ribs 162 disable the latch ledges 138 from moving radially out of the channels 126 and, in some embodiments, apply a reinforcing force that further aids in retaining the latch ledges 126 in the channels 126. Because the circumferential rim 159 is interposed between the end surface 119c of the hollow body 119 of the core 118 and the annular rim 132 of the collar 120, and the collar 120 and core 118 are disabled from axial movement relative to one another, the flange 114 is also fixed in position relative to both the core 118 and the collar 120. As a result, the flange 114, core 118, and collar 120 are all fixedly connected to one another. As noted above, the opposite flange 112 may be connected to the core 118 and the opposite collar 120 in the same manner.

The disclosed connections between the flanges 12, 14, 112, 114, the core 18, 118, and the collars 20, 120 provide a simple yet strong connection to retain the flanges 12, 14, 112, 114 to the core 18, 118. In addition, the components forming the connections can all be molded of plastic in either a single-shot or a double-shot injection molding process, enabling cost-effective manufacture of the disclosed reels 10, 110.

Additionally, since assembly of the reels 10, 110 is user-friendly, the reels 10, 110 can be shipped in a disassembled state as a kit with the flanges 12, 14, 112, 114 stacked upon one another and one or more cores 18, 118 and the collars 20, 120 packed in a compact state. As a result, shipping costs of delivering the reels 10, 110 can be reduced, while still enabling the end-user to easily assemble the reels 10, 110.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a process 300 for assembling a reel such as the reels 10, 110 described above. The process 300 begins with inserting the core 18, 118 into a channel 72, 172 of a flange 12, 14, 112, 114 (block 310). The process 300 proceeds by engaging latch members 40, 134 into respective windows 26, 126 formed in the core 18, 118 (block 320). Finally, the process 300 includes affixing the core 18, 118 to the flange 12, 14, 112, 114 with a collar 20, 120 (block 330).

In particular, the engaging of the latch members 40 may occur concurrently with inserting the core 18 by, for example, engaging the latch members 40 of the flange 12, 14 in the windows 26 as in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Alternatively, the engaging of the latch members 134 may occur concurrently with the affixing of the core 118 to the flange 112, 114 with the collar 120 by, for example, engaging the latch members 134 of the collar 120 into the windows 126, as described above with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-described and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems, applications or methods. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art that are also intended to be encompassed by the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A reel comprising: a core having a first end region defining a plurality of windows;a first flange configured, in a connected state, to connect to the first end region of the core;a first collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the first end region of the core and the first flange; anda plurality of first latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective window of the plurality of windows so as to connect the first end region of the core to the first flange.

2. The reel of claim 1, wherein the first flange defines an annular channel configured to axially receive the first end region of the core in the connected state.

3. The reel of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of first latch members are elastically deformable, andwhen transitioning from a disconnected state to the connected state, an axial end surface of the first end region of the core engages a curved or angled surface of each of the first latch members so as to cause the plurality of first latch members to elastically deflect in a radial direction to enable each first latch member to engage in the respective window.

4. The reel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first latch members are integrally formed with the first flange.

5. The reel of claim 4, wherein the each of the plurality of first latch members comprises: a circumferentially extending latch arm that, in the connected state, extends from the first flange into a cavity defined by the first flange; anda latch portion that, in the connected state, extends radially inwardly from the latch arm and engages in the respective one of the plurality of windows.

6. The reel of claim 5, wherein, when transitioning from a disconnected state to an intermediate state, the core is configured to pass into an annular channel of the first flange such that an axial end surface of the first end region engages an angled or curved surface of the latch portion so as to cause the latch portion to deflect radially and enable the axial end surface to axially pass the latch portion.

7. The reel of claim 6, wherein the first collar comprises a plurality of secondary latches configured, in the connected state, to form a snap-fit connection with the latch arm so as to disable axial movement of the first collar relative to the first flange.

8. The reel of claim 7, wherein, when transitioning from the intermediate state to the connected state, each secondary latch of the plurality of secondary latches has an angled or curved surface that engages the latch arm of an associated one of the plurality of first latch members so as to elastically deform the secondary latch and the associated first latch member to enable the secondary latch to pass the associated first latch member.

9. The reel of claim 8, wherein, in the connected state, the latch arm is radially interposed between the first end region of the core and the secondary latch of the collar.

10. The reel of claim 1, wherein the first latch members are integrally formed with the collar and project axially from an annular rim of the collar.

11. The reel of claim 10, wherein, in the connected state, the first flange is interposed between the annular rim and an axial end surface of the first end region of the core.

12. The reel of claim 11, wherein the plurality of first latch members are elastically deformable, andwhen transitioning from a disconnected state to the connected state, a curved or angled surface of each of the first latch members engages an axial end surface of the first end region of the core so as to cause the plurality of first latch members to elastically deflect in a radial direction to enable each first latch member to pass the axial end surface and engage in the respective window.

13. The reel of claim 12, wherein the first flange includes at least one angled rib that, in the connected state, radially supports each of the first latch members.

14. The reel of claim 13, wherein each first latch member defines at least one recess in which the at least one angled rib is received.

15. The reel of claim 1, further comprising: an anti-rotation assembly comprising: at least one lug projecting radially and extending axially from one of the core and the first flange, andat least one axially-extending notch defined in the other of the core and the first flange,wherein, in the connected state, the at least one lug is arranged in the at least one axially-extending notch.

16. The reel of claim 1, further comprising: a second flange configured, in the connected state, to connect to a second end region of the core;a second collar configured, in the connected state, to affix to the second end region and the second flange;and a plurality of second latch members configured, in the connected state, to engage a respective second window of a plurality of second windows defined in the second end region of the core so as to connect the second end region of the core to the second flange.

17. A method of assembling a reel comprising: moving an end region of a core into an annular channel of a flange;engaging, with each latch member of a plurality of latch members, a respective window of a plurality of windows defined in an end region of a core so as to connect the end region to a flange; andaffixing a collar to the end region and the flange.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the engaging of the respective windows with each latch member occurs during the moving of the end region into the annular channel.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the engaging of the respective windows with each latch member occurs during the affixing of the collar to the end region and the flange.