Devices for Cable Management

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/646,254, filed on May 13, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in full.

The present invention relates to telecommunications equipment, and more particular to, cable reel assemblies for storing cables at a wireless installation site.

As shown in, current common methods for coiling excess cablesat the installation site,include metal snap-in hangers with grommetsand/or oversized hanger blocksAdditional methods may include tie wraps, hooks or loop ties. These coiling methods may create issues such as exceeding the minimum bending radius for the cable, not properly supporting the cables, and poor cable routing. In addition, the use of metal components near an antenna on cell sites can be a source of unwanted passive intermodulation (PIM) in the modern radio frequency (RF) environment. There are polymeric cable reel assemblies (or coilers) currently available on the market that reduce costs and allow for easy installation, while alleviating technical performance concerns, such as, PIM. An exemplary cable reel assemblyand corresponding assembly coverthat are currently available are illustrated inSee also, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 11,345,564 to A sh et al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, many of these cable reel assemblies are formed as a single injection-molded component, for which the molds used during manufacturing are very large and expensive.

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a cable reel assembly. The cable reel assembly includes a center hub member having a main body with four side walls and two coiler section members. Opposing side walls of the main body of the center hub member each have an aperture or slot. Each coiler section member includes an arcuate base member having a securing mechanism extending radially inward therefrom and opposing side walls extend radially outwardly from the base member. The opposing side walls are spaced apart to define a channel configured to receive and hold one or more trunk cables therein. The securing mechanism is configured to releasably interlock with a corresponding aperture or slot of the center hub member to secure the respective coiler section member to the center hub member. The cable reel assembly is configured such that one or more trunk cables can be wrapped around and held within the channels of the coiler section members.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a cable reel assembly. The cable reel assembly includes a center hub member having a main body with four side walls, four adapter extension members, each adapter extension member coupled to a side wall of the center hub member, and four coiler section members. Each coiler section member includes an arcuate base member having a securing mechanism extending radially inward therefrom and a pair of spaced apart side walls extend radially outwardly from the base member. The side walls define a channel configured to receive and hold one or more trunk cables therein. The securing mechanism is configured to releasably interlock with a corresponding aperture or slot of a respective adapter extension member to secure the respective coiler section member to the adapter extension member. The cable reel assembly further includes four extension support members, each extension support member resides between adjacent coiler section members and are configured to couple the adjacent coiler section members together. The cable reel assembly is configured such that one or more trunk cables can be wrapped around and held within the channels of the coiler section members.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a cable hanger adapter. The cable hanger adapter includes a main body having a first side and opposing second side and six side walls, each side wall having at least one aperture or slot configured to receive a securing mechanism from a first corresponding mounting component for a cable mounting assembly. The cable hanger adapter further includes a securing mechanism extending outwardly from the first side of the main body, the securing mechanism configured to engage with a second corresponding mounting component for the cable mounting assembly and a mounting aperture on the second side of the main body, the mounting aperture configured to receive a securing mechanism for a third corresponding mounting component for the cable mounting assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed a cable reel assembly. The cable reel assembly includes a base member having four side walls, two or more adapter extension members, an end of each adapter extension member engaged with a respective side wall of the base member; and two or more coiler section members, each coiler section member engaged with an opposing end of a respective adapter extension member, and each coiler section member having a channel sized and configured to receive and hold a cable wrapped around the cable reel assembly.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim and/or file any new claim, accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In the figures, certain layers, components, or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotateddegrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices for cable management that may be compatible with existing cable mounting assemblies. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail below with reference tothrough.

Referring toand, a cable reel assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In some embodiments, the cable reel assemblymay be configured to hold one or more discrete cables(e.g., one or more trunk cablescoiled around the cable reel assembly) (see, e.g.,and). In some embodiments, the cable reel assemblycomprises two coiler section membersthat are coupled to a center hub memberAs shown inand, when the coiler section membersare engaged with the center hub member, the cable reel assemblymay have a generally cylindrical shape configured such that the one or more cablesmay be wrapped or coiled around the assembly

As shown in, as discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, each coiler section membercomprises one or more securing mechanismsthat are configured to engage the center hub member, thereby interlocking the coiler section memberswith the center hub memberto form the cable reel assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more securing mechanismsmay be protrusions that are configured to engage with a corresponding aperturein the center hub memberto interlock the coiler section membersto the center hub member(see, e.g.,).

In some embodiments, the cable reel assemblymay further comprise a coverAs shown in, the covermay be annular or ring-shaped. The coveris configured to fit around the two coiler section members. As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, each coiler section membermay comprise one or more latching featuresthat are configured to secure the coverto the cable reel assembly(see, e.g.,). As shown in, when a coveris installed on the cable reel assembly, one or more openingsbetween the coiler section membersallow the cablesto be routed into or out of the cable reel assembly.

According to embodiments of the present invention, two more cable reel assembliesmay be secured together in a stacked relationship to conserve space. As discussed in further detail below, coupling mechanismsof the center hub membermay allow for multiple cable reel assembliesto be secured together (see, e.g.,). For example,andillustrate three cablestacked together according to embodiments of the present invention (see also). According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the cable reel assembliesmay be secured to a mounting structure(e.g., a mounting pole).illustrates a single cable reel assemblysecured to a mounting poleutilizing a pair of mounting clampsaccording to embodiments of the present invention.illustrates three cable reel assembliesstacked together and secured to a mounting poleutilizing a pair of mounting clampsaccording to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in, in some embodiments, to secure one or more cable assembliesto the mounting pole, a pair of fasteners(e.g., rods or bolts) of the mounting clampsare received through aperturesin the cable reel assemblyas the outer diameter of the mounting poleis received within recessesin the cable reel assembly.

illustrates exemplary anti-theft devicesaccording to embodiments of the present invention that may be utilized with the cable reel assemblyEach anti-theft devicecomprises a planar main bodyhaving a flanged endThe main bodycomprises a plurality of aperturesconfigured to receive a padlock or like locking mechanism. As shown, the anti-theft deviceshave different lengths to accommodate a single cable reel assembly() or multiple cable reel assemblies(i.e., stacked together) (). As shown in, the anti-theft device(s)may slide into any open channel within the center hub memberor coiler section member(s)until engaged by the flanged endA locking mechanism (e.g., padlock) (not shown) may then be inserted through a respective aperturein the main bodyto deter the removal of the one or more cable assemblies.

An exemplary center hub memberof the cable reel assemblyis illustrated in greater detail in. As shown in, in some embodiments, the center hub memberhas a generally square main bodyhaving four side walls. One or more of the side wallscomprise at least one aperture or slot. As shown in, &E and &F, in some embodiments, each side wallcomprises two apertures. As noted above, and as shown in, in some embodiments, each apertureis configured to receive a corresponding securing mechanismof a coiler section member. In some embodiments, each aperturemay have a T-shape which allows a respective securing mechanismof the coiler section memberto be received by an upper openingof the apertureand slide within the perpendicular openingof the aperture(see, e.g., FIG. &E) to engage the respective securing mechanismwithin the aperture, and as a result, secure the respective coiler section memberto the center hub member

As further shown in, in some embodiments, the center hub membermay comprise a first pair of coupling membersextending outwardly from one end of the main bodyIn some embodiments, the center hub membermay further comprise a second pair of coupling membersextending outwardly from an opposing end of the main bodyIn other embodiments, opposing ends of the main bodyof the center hub membermay comprise one coupling member,extending outwardly therefrom. As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, the first pair of coupling membersfrom a first center hub membermay be configured to engage with the second pair of coupling membersfrom a second identical center hub member, thereby allowing multiple center hub members(and cable reel assemblies) to be stacked together (see, e.g.,,,and).

As shown in, in some embodiments, the first pair of coupling membersmay comprise a first coupling mechanismresiding at an endof each coupling memberIn some embodiments, the first coupling mechanismmay comprise a T-shaped protrusionresiding between two spaced apart latching membersAs shown in, the second pair of coupling membersmay comprise a second coupling mechanismresiding at an endof each coupling memberIn some embodiments, the second coupling mechanismsmay each comprise a pair of spaced apart engaging membershaving a channelextending therebetween.

In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanismsof the first pair of coupling membersof a first center hub memberis configured to engage with the second coupling mechanismsof the second pair of coupling membersfor a second identical center hub member. For example, in some embodiments, an end of the T-shaped protrusionof the first coupling mechanismis configured to be received by the channelof the second coupling mechanismas the engaging membersof the second coupling mechanismare received by the latching membersof the first coupling mechanism(see, e.g.,). In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanismsare configured to form an interference fit with the second pair of coupling membersto secure multiple center hub members-together in a stacked relationship (see, e.g.,). In some embodiments, each of the engaging membersof the second coupling mechanismmay comprise one or more protrusionsextending into the channelThe protrusionsof the second coupling mechanismmay be configured to engage the T-shaped protrusionof the first coupling mechanismwhen the T-shaped protrusionis inserted into the channel, thereby creating an interference fit between the first and second coupling mechanisms

shows three center hub memberarranged together in a stacked relationship according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in, the first pair of coupling membersfor the first center hub memberis engaged with the second pair of coupling membersfor the second center hub member, and the first pair of coupling membersfor the second center hub memberis engaged with the second pair of coupling membersfor the third center hub member

is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in.illustrates the first coupling mechanismof the first pair of coupling membersfor the first center hub memberinterlocked with the second coupling mechanismof the second pair of coupling membersfor the second center hub member. As shown in, the T-shaped protrusionsof the first coupling mechanismsare received by the channelsof the second coupling mechanismswhile the protrusionsof the engaging memberscontact the T-shaped protrusions. As further shown in, the latching membersof the first coupling mechanismsare engaged by the engaging membersof the second coupling mechanisms, thereby securing the first center hub memberto the second hub member. A similar interlocking occurs between the second center hub memberand the third center hub member. It is further noted that additional center hub membersmay be stacked to the first center hub memberand/or the third center hub memberin a similar manner.

Referring toand, an alternative center hub member′ according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The alternative center hub member′ may be utilized in the cable reel assemblydescribed herein. Properties and/or features of the center hub member′ may be as described above in reference to the center hub membershown inand duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussingand.

As shown inand, the center hub member′ differs from the center hub memberdescribed herein in that one or more of the side walls′ of the center hub member′ comprise at least one slot′ rather than an aperture(i.e., like center hub member). In some embodiments, each of the side walls′ of the center hub membercomprise two slots′. Similar to the aperturesof the center hub member, the slots′ of the center hub membershown inare configured to receive a respective securing mechanismof the coiler section members(see also,).

In addition, as shown in, in some embodiments, the main body′ of the center hub member′ comprises a snap-fit securing mechanismresiding adjacent to each respective slot′ in the side walls′. In some embodiments, the snap-fit securing mechanisms′ are each configured to engage and hold a respective securing mechanismof the coiler section memberwithin a respective slot′, thereby securing the coiler section memberto the center hub member′. For example, in some embodiments, each snap-fit securing mechanism′ is configured to deflect as a securing mechanismis inserted into a respective slot′ and lock the securing mechanismwithin the slot′ (see, e.g.,).

As shown in, in some embodiments, the snap-fit securing mechanisms′ may comprise a hook or otherwise flanged end′. In some embodiments, the hook or flanged end′ of the snap-fit securing mechanism′ is configured to engage the securing mechanismto hold the securing mechanismwithin the respective slot′. For example, as the securing mechanismof a coiler section memberis inserted into a respective slot′ of the center hub member, the snap-fit securing mechanism′ is configured to deflect inwardly, thereby allowing the securing mechanismto be received into the respective slot′. As shown in, after the securing mechanismhas been inserted into the slot′ of the center hub member, the resilient nature of the material that forms the snap-fit securing mechanism′ returns to the snap-fit securing mechanism′ to its original position. As the snap-fit securing mechanism′ returns to its original position, the hook or flanged end′ engages the securing mechanism, thereby securing the securing mechanismwithin the slot′ and the coiler section memberto the center hub member′.

Referring, an alternative center hub member is illustrated. In, two of the alternative center hub members″,″ are shown stacked together. Properties and/or features of the center hub members″,″ may be as described above in reference to the center hub member′ shown inandand duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing.

As shown in, the center hub members″,″ differ from the center hub member′ described herein in the first and second coupling mechanisms′,′ that engage two center hub members″,″ (and corresponding cable reel assemblies) together. In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism′ may comprise a tapered edge′ and a flanged end′ and the second coupling mechanism′ may comprise a flexible latch′ and recess or slot′. As shown in, two center hub members″,″ are configured to slide to engage with each other. The flanged end′ of the first coupling mechanism′ is configured to be received by or engage with the recess or slot′ of the second coupling mechanism′. As the flanged end′ is received by the recess or slot′, the tapered edge′ of the first coupling mechanism′ deflects the flexible latch′ of the second coupling mechanism′. After flexible latch′ is slid past the tapered edge′, the flexible latch′ deflects back to its original position, thereby securing the two center hub members″,″ together.

As shown, to disengage two center hub members″,″ a tool, such as a screwdriver, may be used to push (deflect) the flexible latch′ of the second coupling mechanism′ of one center hub member″ away from the tapered edge′ of the first coupling mechanism′ of the other center hub member″ (as indicated by the arrow), thereby allowing the two center hub members″,″ to be slid apart from each other.

Referring now to, an exemplary coiler section memberof the cable reel assemblyis illustrated in greater detail. As shown in, the coiler section memberincludes an arcuate base memberfrom which the securing mechanismsextend outwardly therefrom. As discussed above, the securing mechanismsare configured to engage with respective apertures or slots,′ of the center hub memberto form the cable reel assembly(see, e.g.,).

A pair of spaced apart side wallsextend outwardly from the base memberThe side wallsdefine a channelconfigured to receive and hold a cablecoiled around the cable reel assembly(see, e.g.,). In some embodiments, the side walls,are spaced apart a distance W in a range of between about 3 inches to about 4 inches. As noted above, at least one of the side wallsmay comprise one or more latching features. In some embodiments, the side wallwithout the latching featuresmay extend outwardly from the base membera further distance than the side wallcomprising the latching features(i.e., one side wallhas a greater height than the other side wall). The difference in height creates a stop for when a coveris installed on the cable reel assemblywhile the one or more latching featuresmay be configured to help secure the coverto the cable reel assembly(see, e.g.,). For example, in some embodiments, the latching featuresare spring clips (or similar mechanism) that are configured to deflect as the coveris being installed on the cable reel assembly. After the coverpasses over the latching featuresand contacts the side wallthe resilient nature of the material the forms the latching featuressprings the latching featuresback to their original position to lock the coverin position on the cable reel assembly(i.e., between the side walland the latching featuresand covering the channel).

As shown in, in some embodiments, the base memberfurther comprises a recessed areaand a pair of aperturesthat are configured to secure the cable reel assemblyto a mounting structure (e.g., a mounting pole). For example, as shown in, the recessed areain the base membermay be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a mounting poleand the aperturesmay be configured to receive respective fastenersof a mounting clampused to secure one or more cable reel assembliesto the mounting pole.

As shown in, in some embodiments, one of the side wallsmay comprise a pair of aperturesadjacent to opposing endsof the base memberAs described in further detail below, each aperturein the side wallmay be configured to receive a corresponding locking tab,′ of an extension support member,′ to form an alternative cable reel assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention (see, e.g.,,, and).

Referring toand, an extension support memberaccording to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As described in further detail below, multiple extension support membersmay be used to form an alternative cable reel assemblyhaving a larger coiling diameter range (Dto D) compared to a coiling diameter range (Dto D) cable reel assemblydescribed herein (see, e.g.,and).

As shown in, the extension support memberhas a main bodywith an L-shaped retention memberextending upwardly therefrom. The main bodyand L-shaped retention memberdefine an openingconfigured to have one or more cablesrouted therethrough. In some embodiments, the L-shaped retention memberhelps to retain the one or more cableswithin the openingof the extension support memberand coiled around the cable reel assembly. As shown in, in some embodiments, the main bodyand/or L-shaped retention membermay comprise one or more flanged ends,that are configured to further hold the one or more cablescoiled around the cable reel assembly. As shown in, in some embodiments, the flanged ends,may define entry/exit pointfor the cablesinto the openingof the extension support member.

As further shown in, in some embodiments, the extension support membermay comprise a pair of latching tabsextending outwardly from the main body. As discussed in further detail below, each of the latching tabsare configured to be received by or engage with a corresponding aperturein the coiler section membersin order to secure adjacent coiler section memberstogether (see, e.g.,). In some embodiments, the main bodyof the extension support membermay further comprise opposing recesses. As shown in, in some embodiments, the recessesmay have a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the recessesmay reside adjacent to a lower endof the main body. As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, each recessis configured to receive an endof a coiler section member(see, e.g.,).

illustrate the extension support membercoupling together two adjacent coiler section membersaccording to embodiments of the present invention. As discussed in further detail below, the interlocking of the extension support memberand adjacent coiler section memberswill be used to form the cable reel assemblyof the present invention (see, e.g.,). As shown in, the endsof adjacent coiler membersare received within respective recessesof the extension support memberwith the lower endof the main bodyof the extension support memberproviding support to each coiler member. As further shown in, each latching tabof the extension support memberis received by and engaged with a corresponding aperturein each coiler section member, thereby bridging and securing adjacent coiler section memberstogether (see also, e.g.,).

Referring now to, the cable reel assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated.is an exploded view of the cable reel assembly. As shown in, the cable reel assemblyincludes the center hub member, coiler section members, and extension support membersas described herein. In addition, the cable reel assemblyutilizes adapter extensionsfrom a related assembly for mounting cables. See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/355,830 filed Jul. 20, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, as shown in, four adapter extensionsare secured to respective side wallsof the center hub member. It is noted that the alternative center hub members′,″ described herein (see, e.g.,,, and) may also be used in the cable reel assembly. As shown in, in some embodiments, each of the adapter extensionshas a securing mechanism(e.g., a tab) that is configured to be received within an aperture or slot,′ in the side walls,′ of the center hub member,′.

As further shown in, and as described herein, adjacent coiler section membersare secured together via respective extension support membersAs shown in, in some embodiments, four coiler section membersmay be connected together via four extension support members. Similar to the interlocking of the securing mechanismsof the adapter extensionsand the apertures or slots,′ of the center hub member,′, as shown in, the securing mechanismsof the coiler section membersare configured to be received in corresponding apertures or slotsin the respective adapter extensionsto interlock the coiler section membersto respective adapter extensions, thereby forming the cable reel assemblyon which one or more cablesmay be wrapped around (as shown in).

illustrates the cable reel assemblymounted on a mounting structure(e.g., a mounting pole) according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in, the cable reel assemblymay be mounted to the mounting polein a similar manner as the one or more cable reel assembliesdescribed herein are mounted (see, e.g.,). For example, as shown in, in some embodiments, to secure the cable reel assemblyto a mounting pole, fasteners(e.g., rods or bolts) of the mounting clampsare received through respective aperturesin the base membersof opposing coiler section membersas a portion of the mounting poleis received within recessesin the coiler section members

Referring now toand, an alternative extension support member′ that may be used in the cable reel assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Properties and/or features of the extension support member′ may be as described above in reference to the extension support membershown inandand duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussingand.

As shown inand, the extension support member′ differs from the extension support memberdescribed herein in that the extension support member′ comprises an adjustable retention member′ that engages the main body. As described in further detail below, and shown in, the retention member′ is adjustable relative to the main body′ to change the size of the opening′ through which one or more cablesmay be routed (i.e., a distance H between the retention member′ and the main bodyis adjustable) and retain the one or more cableswithin the opening′ of the extension support member′ (and cable reel assembly). In some embodiments, the distance H between the retention member′ and the main body′ that the opening′ of the extension support member′ may be adjusted is in a range of between about 20 millimeters and about 60 millimeters.

As shown in, in some embodiments, the extension support member′ comprises a pair of locking mechanisms′,′ extending downwardly from opposing ends of the retention member′. Each locking mechanism′,′ is configured to slide within and engage with a corresponding securing channel′,′ coupled to an upper end of the main body′. In some embodiments, each locking mechanism′,′ comprises a plurality of spaced apart notches′,′ or like features.

As shown in, each locking mechanism′,′ is configured to slide with a respective securing channel,′ to adjust the distance H between the retention member′ and the main body′ (and the opening′ of the extension support member′) (see also, e.g.,). The plurality of notches′,′ correspond to the distance H between the retention member′ and the main body′ and are configured to engage with the respective securing channel′,′ to secure the locking mechanism′,′at a desired position within the securing channels′,′, thereby securing the retention member′ at the desired distance H relative to the main body′ (see, e.g.,).