Abstract: A unitary fishing rod with integral features is described. Integral features, such as, raised or recessed surface details, both raised and recessed surface detail, circular or non-circular cross-sectional shapes, raised rod guide mounting portion, multiple axes of alignment, distinct handle gripping means, one or more internal ribs, solid tip piece, and ferrules are formed by the use of a mold where the mold's interior surfaces define the integral features, the shape and surface detail, of the unitary fishing rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction. More specifically, the present invention provides a spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction with a front or a back opening and an associated plate that removably attaches to the reel body opening to thereby enclose and hold the internal mechanisms and parts of the spinning reel. The use of the present invention allows a fisherman to substantially assemble and/or disassemble the spinning reel of the invention without the aid of tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing reel rotor-mounted bail system. More specifically, the present invention provides a bail system wherein a tension spring is pivotally inserted at a first end to a rotor arm and at a second end to a bail banjo or bail hinge such that the tension spring applies a tensile force or moment to the bail banjo or hinge thereby biasing the bail mechanism in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: An anti-reverse mechanism that is adaptable to have application in a majority of conventional fishing reel designs and configurations. More particularly, a coil-spring, anti-reverse mechanism that acts upon certain standard components of a drive train in a conventional fishing reel, including the main gear, rotor and pinion. In preferred embodiments, the anti-reverse mechanism of the present invention may further include an On/Off selector assembly for selectively engaging the anti-reverse mechanism.

Abstract: A fishing reel oscillation system having a rotating pawl oscillation assembly whose components are integrated into a standard fishing reel mechanism wherein a pawl attached to a pinion rotates around a main shaft with a lead-screw recess track, causing the shaft and an attached spool to oscillate along the rotational axis of the spool. The pinion is also coupled to a rotor. In this manner, one integrated mechanism effects both the oscillation of the spool and the spinning of the rotor.

Abstract: An improved fishing reel with a main shaft support system that holds the main shaft in reduced frictional isolation from the pinion. More specifically, a radial support members to hold the main shaft concentric to the pinion and frictionally isolated therefrom. This system thus reduces the friction between a main shaft and a pinion to yield a more efficient fishing reel. A method is further provided to retrofit conventional fishing reels with the isolation support system of the present invention.

Abstract: An integrated handle fishing reel housing for enclosing a fishing reel and providing a handle for manual grasping of the reel and an associated rod. The inventive device includes a handle housing having a forward or nosecone portion and a body or handle portion. The forward portion and the body portions are axially aligned along a common axis, and have a generally circular diameter in cross section, along the common axis. A reel is mounted within the handle housing and directs a fishing line through a forward center end of the forward portion. The body portion of the handle housing projects rearwardly of the forward portion. If desired, the body portion may be shaped so as to define a reduced gripping recess extending circumferentially thereabout to preclude unintentional slipping of the handle housing from a grasp of a user.

Abstract: A multi-function-trigger actuated reel for allowing both actuation of the free spool mechanism and adjustment of the drag brake mechanism of a close face spinning reel with a single actuating trigger. The inventive device includes a main body having a reel mechanism mounted thereto. The reel mechanism includes a spool upon which fishing line can be wound, a drag plunger effecting frictional drag on the spool, and a main shaft which can be forwardly biased to cause free-spooling of the reel mechanism. A trigger assembly is mounted relative to the main body and includes a trigger arm which can be pivoted in a plurality of directions to selectively effect movement of the drag plunger and the main shaft through the single trigger arm.

Abstract: A double trigger actuated reel for allowing both actuation of the free spool mechanism and adjustment of the drag brake mechanism of a close face spinning reel with a single hand. The inventive device includes a main body having a reel mechanism mounted thereto. The reel mechanism includes a spool upon which fishing line can be wound, a drag plunger effecting frictional drag on the spool, and a main shaft which can be forwardly biased to cause free-spooling of the reel mechanism. A trigger assembly is mounted relative to the main body and includes a first trigger arm which can be pivoted to selectively effect movement of the drag plunger to operate the drag brake mechanism and a second trigger arm which can be pivoted to selectively effect movement of the main shaft to operate the free spool mechanism.

Abstract: A planetary gear drive system for a fishing reel wherein a spool shaft and a handle shaft are coaxial, the handle shaft carrying a ring gear and the spool shaft carrying a driven pinion. Planetary gears rotatable on a planetary gear carrier engage both the ring gear and the driven pinion at equal angles around the driven pinion. Friction brake means as well as free spool cam means operate directly on the common axis of the handle shaft and spool shaft.

Abstract: In a fishing reel, there is a main drive shaft rotatably on the reel body. A separable unit shaft may be selectively coupled to either end of the main drive shaft to drive it. The reel handle or crank is secured to a sleeve that is rotatable on the input shaft. Both the handle sleeve and the input shaft carry radial flanges between which are carried a drag disc and a friction washer. Pins on the drag disc engage through holes in the handle sleeve. A drag star pushes on the pins to squeeze the friction washer and adjust the torque that may be transmitted from the handle to the input shaft and, hence, the main drive shaft.

Abstract: In a fishing reel, there is a main drive shaft rotatably on the reel body. A separable input shaft, which may be selectively coupled to either end of the main drive shaft, has a handle free rotatable thereon. A drag disc is slidable on, but splined to the input shaft and a pressure member squeezed a friction member between the drag disc and the handle to adjust the torque that may be transmitted from the handle to the input shaft and, hence, the main drive shaft.

Abstract: In a fishing reel, the drag stack includes the conventional star wheel and pressure plate that squeeze one or more friction member against the side of a rotatable member, such as the main gear to cause it to rotate with the pressure plate. However, instead of a washer of friction material, the friction member comprises small friction pads mounted on a carrier ring so as to be positioned symmetrically around the axis thereof, and to be engaged by the pressure plate. This leaves substantial areas of the pressure plate exposed for dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A drag control for a spinning reel includes a disc that rotates with the main shaft. A primary drag plunger is moved against one side of the disc to establish the preset drag. The secondary drag plunger directly opposing the primary plunger is mounted on a cam follower, and a hand-operated cam moves the follower selectively toward or away from the disc. The cam is tapered from side to side so that a different range of movement will be imparted to the cam follower, depending upon the circumference of that portion of the cam engaged by the cam follower.

Abstract: A braking system for a rotating spool casting reel comprising a pair of diametrically opposed weights that are driven outward by centrifugal force, opposed by tension springs. At the beginning of the cast, the weights are driven outward into cooperation with an outer braking medium to produce an initial drag. As rotation decelerates, the drag decreases until the springs bring the blocks into engagement with an inner cylindrical surface that produces a substantial frictional drag to bring the spool to a stop to minimize the chance of overrun. Either the weights or adjacent reel housing is provided with magnet means and the other is made with electrically conductive material to augment the braking action.

Abstract: A two-speed drive for a fishing reel wherein a low friction clutch is interposed between the drive shaft and the high speed main drive gear. Planetary gears extend from one side of the main drive gear and are engaged by the secondary drive gear so that, in the event the low friction clutch slips, the main drive gear will be driven by the smaller secondary drive gear through orbital rotation of the planet gears.

Abstract: In a rotating spool casting reel a permanent magnet carried on the housing and a fan blade rotor with metallic disc attracted by the magnet and fan blades rotatable with the shaft but slidable thereon. The fan blades tend to pull the rotor away from the magnet and spring means biases it toward the magnet whereby magnetic attraction is maximum at low speeds and minimum at high speeds.