Abstract: A fishing reel having a brake mechanism including a brake drum provided on a spool receiving a fishing line thereon. A line tension sensor for determining the tension of the fishing line is operatively connected to the brake mechanism which includes at least one brake for engaging the brake drum connected with the spool. Under the control of the line tension sensor the brake mechanism is engaged with the brake drum for pre-braking by friction the rotating spool at initial slack in the fishing line. The brake mechanism is engaged with the brake drum for abruptly stopping by wedging the spool at slack beyond the initial slack. Under the control of the line tension sensor, the brake mechanism frictionally engages the brake drum for pre-braking the rotating spool when slack is initially sensed in the fishing line. When slack beyond that initially sensed occurs, at least one brake of the brake mechanism is wedged against the brake drum for abruptly stopping the spool.

Abstract: A composite shaft used in the manufacture of golf clubs includes a straight shaft of tapered form extending between an upper butt end a lower tip end. A radially outwardly protruding bulge section is located on the shaft with the bulge section being spaced from both the tip end of the shaft and the butt end of the shaft. The bulge section has a relatively short length compared to the length of the shaft and is located on the shaft to begin in the lower 1/3 of the shaft length.

Abstract: A composite shaft used in the manufacture of golf clubs includes a straight shaft of tapered form extending between an upper butt end a lower tip end. A radially outwardly protruding bulge section is located on the shaft with the bulge section being spaced from both the tip end of the shaft and the butt end of the shaft. The bulge section has a relatively short length compared to the length of the shaft and is located on the shaft to begin in the lower 1/3 of the shaft length.

Abstract: Composite flylines made with a core line, a polymeric coating over the core line for adjusting the line profile and density, and a braided layer over the polymeric coating. The braided layer provides strength without sacrifice in flexibility and provides a more cost efficient manufacturing process through the reduction or elimination of production scrap. An optional outer coating can be applied to further reduce surface friction, increase abrasion resistance, or provide coloring.

Abstract: Monofilament lines are made from twisted gel spun polyolefin yarns that are heated and stretched under conditions sufficient to fuse adjacent filaments into a line having monofilament characteristics and high tenacity.

Abstract: An improved graphite composite shaft which can be used in fishing rod or golf clubs includes a base shaft made at least partially of graphite composite material provided in one or more layers or plies. Each shaft has a relatively slender tip that is normally prone to impact damage. An outer concentric reinforcement layer made of a composite material having thermoplastic fibers, such as Vectran, Spectra, or the like, is provided on the base shaft. The reinforcement layer extends only part of the way up the length of the base shaft from the tip thereof. The reinforcement layer makes the shaft more resistant to impacts occurring at the tip, thus increasing the durability of the shaft without decreasing the performance of the fishing rods or golf clubs that incorporate the shaft.

Abstract: An improved method of making a bent graphite shaft in which a mandrel is provided as the basic form for forming the shaft. The mandrel includes a flexible portion at the location of the desired bend in the shaft. Graphite composite material is applied to the mandrel and to the flexible portion thereof. The flexible portion is then bent into a configuration which provides the desired bend, and the flexible portion is held in this configuration while the graphite composite material is cured in situ on the mandrel to form a rigid, graphite shaft. The mandrel is then slid out of the shaft with the flexible portion of the mandrel being sufficiently flexible to allow the mandrel to pass out of the shaft without fracturing the shaft.