Abstract: A fishing reel drag system may comprise a drag housing having a cavity and fixed rotationally relative to a shaft or a spool. A driven member adjacent the cavity is rotatable relative to the drag housing and with the other of the shaft or spool. A drag stack of washers in the cavity includes a plurality of friction washers keyed to the drag housing or the driven member and at least one metal washer keyed to the other of the drag housing or driven member. A cam and follower move the driven member to bias the drag stack for exhibiting friction. A spring biases the drag stack for producing a desired level of friction and an actuator actuates the cam and follower. The actuator may disengage the spool from the drag stack.

Abstract: A two-drag mode, front and rear configuration spinning reel has a trip mode selector switch means. This switch means lets the reel be used in the free spool shaft condition to rotate a rotor frame and take up line upon turning the handle, without automatically shifting the device into the condition of a locked up spool shaft. The switch also allows for both the automatic and manual modes at the preference of the user.

Abstract: A fishing reel, having a spool and a drag mechanism having a drag washer therein, is provided with a drag cover means to cover said drag mechanism; and locking means engaging said drag cover means and said drag washer to lock said drag washer in position within said reel.

Abstract: A locking preset mechanism for a fishing reel is provided by interlocking balls in the preset knob face and the depressions in the mating face of an axially moveable force transmitting means in the mechanism. In free spool, the knob can be rotated. In drag, the knob is locked against rotation.

Abstract: A locking preset mechanism for a fishing reel is provided by interlocking in the preset knob with a bridge plate. Spring-biased pins engage depressions in the mating face of an axially moveable means in the mechanism. By depressing the knob, the knob can be rotated. When at rest, the knob is locked against rotation.

Abstract: A lever drag fishing reel having multiple drag positions, including a strike position and a full drag position has a one-piece button spring assembly means for permitting the lever to advance from the strike position to the full drag position. The one-piece button spring assembly means comprising a button integrally joined with a spring and integrally joined with a bracket fixedly mounted to the reel.

Abstract: A position is added to the drag lever travel in a lever drag reel; which position is called the “strip” drag position; and which is positioned just above the free spool position. At this position, an additional detent is added, splitting the original steep cam rise into two sections to provide a light drag setting before achieving free spool; thus preventing the operator from accidentally placing the drag lever into a free spool condition.

Abstract: A locking preset mechanism for a fishing reel is provided by interlocking serrations in the preset knob face and the mating face of an axially moveable force transmitting means in the mechanism. In free spool, the knob can be rotated. In drag, the knob is locked against rotation.

Abstract: A preset cartridge system is disclosed wherein the drag knob moves Belleville washers within a separate cartridge located in the reel. The cartridge is acted upon by a drag lever. The springs in the cartridge preset system are compressed within the cartridge. These springs act on a bearing/spring cup retained in the cartridge or directly upon the bearing. This allows the preset screw to compress the springs, but not alter the free spool condition of the drag mechanism.

Abstract: A gear changing mechanism for a fishing reel has gears that directly and immediately come into contact with one another without an independent intermediate clutch member.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake system for a fishing reel is shown which has a rotatable adjusting knob 16 providing a surface 14 for engaging the shoulders 20 or 200 of a plurality of radially extendable brakes 12 to position some, all or none of those brakes radially; thus to provide for some, all or none of the brakes to impinge against a brake drum surface 22, depending on the position of the knob and its cam surface 14.

Abstract: A fishing reel having a drag mechanism with juxtaposed surfaces relieved in those areas which are opposite the highest sections of the working cam surfaces to thereby increase the drag.

Abstract: A fishing reel click mechanism is disclosed which exerts a variable drag on the spool as well as producing a variable click.

Abstract: A fishing reel having shiftable concentrically-mounted gears engageable with each other via respective gear core members, with one core member of one gear having at least one perpendicular projection which is receivable by at least one well disposed in the core member of the other gear to thereby accomplish engagement of the two gears.