Patents Examined by Katerine Matecki
  • Patent number: 5676349
    Abstract: A winch wheel for attachment to conventional sailboat winches for trimming sails comprises a crank shaft adapted to be inserted into the winch mechanism, a hub located on the shaft, at least two spokes extending radially from the hub to an outer rim, and an outer rim connected to the spokes. A crank handle is located on one of the spokes. The rim is provided with a resilient foam sheath, to provide comfort and flotation. In one preferred embodiment, the crank handle is selectably movable between a plurality of discrete positions, permitting a user to conveniently select a preferred radial distance from the hub for the crank handle while using the device. One or more half cleats may be provided on the hub to secure a tensioned line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5088657
    Abstract: A motorized spinning reel driving device is provided for fastening in a spinning reel of a fishing rod for taking up a fishing line without change the original structure of such a spinning reel and fishing rod. The device comprises a housing having received therein a battery case, a motor connected to the battery in the battery case, a reducing gear set mounted on the output end of the motor. A driving shaft is secured to the output end of the reducing gear and protrudes beyond the housing, which driving shaft has a hexagonal conical projection on its rear end so that it can be fastened in the hexagonal hole of a spinning reel of different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: A-Tien Chen