Apparatus for mounting a reel

摘要

A reel mounting assembly can include a base and a reel support. The base can be configured to mount to a surface. The reel support can be configured to support a reel hanging from the reel support. The base and reel support each have engagement elements configured to pivotably engage one another, such that the base and the reel support can pivot with respect to each other about at least two approximately orthogonal axes extending through the engagement elements. The reel mounting assembly can be provided in combination with a reel. The reel mounting assembly can provide self-leveling features for a reel.

主权项

1. A reel mounting assembly comprising:
a base configured to mount to a surface; and a reel support configured to support a reel hanging from the reel support; wherein the base and reel support each have engagement elements configured to pivotably engage one another, such that the base and the reel support can pivot with respect to each other about at least two approximately orthogonal axes extending through the engagement elements, wherein the engagement of the engagement elements allows the reel support, when hanging from the base, to freely rotate 360 degrees or more about one of the at least two orthogonal axes, wherein the engagement elements comprise a ball portion and a socket portion that form a ball and socket assembly, wherein the socket portion comprises:
a sleeve comprising a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, the second opening smaller than the first opening and forming a socket at the second end of the sleeve; andan inner channel extending between the first and second opening; and the ball portion comprises a ball configured, when extended through the inner channel, to pass through the first opening and engage with the socket without passing through the second.