Patents by Inventor Keigo Kitajima

Keigo Kitajima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150048192
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel body, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, a rotor, a rotor driving mechanism, and an oscillating mechanism configured to rotate in conjunction with the handle and cause the spool to reciprocate via the spool shaft. The oscillating mechanism includes a threaded shaft having a spiral groove and is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the handle. A slider is engaged with the spiral groove of the threaded shaft, and is configured to reciprocate in conjunction with rotation of the threaded shaft. A guide shaft has a rear end disposed in the through-hole arranged in the rear portion of the reel body, and is locked so as to prevent the shaft from disconnecting from by the reel body, and is configured to guide the reciprocation of the slider. An annular elastic member is disposed between the through-hole and the guide shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shingo MATSUO, Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Keigo KITAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20150048193
    Abstract: A spinning reel for forwardly unreeling a fishing line includes a reel main body having a through-hole extending through the peripheral wall in a longitudinal direction of the spinning reel, a handle configured to wind a fishing line, and being rotatably mounted to the reel main body. A screw member has a screw head disposed on a first end, a screw shaft section extending from the screw head toward a second end, and male threads disposed on the screw shaft section, the screw head contacting a peripheral wall at the front end side of the through-hole and the screw shaft section extending through the through-hole. A stopper member is mounted to the screw shaft section and contacts a periphery of the rear end side of the through-hole. A cover member has a fixed section fixed by the screw member, and covers a rear of the reel main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shingo MATSUO, Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Keigo KITAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20140361110
    Abstract: A braking operation lever includes a lever main body, an operating section, a brake shoe, and an elastic member. The lever main body has a first end part and a second end part, and is rotatably supported by the reel body. The operating section is configured to cause a braking operation, and is disposed on the first end part of the lever main body. The brake shoe is disposed on the second end part of the lever main body, and is configured to be pressed by the rotor while operating the operating section. The elastic member is disposed between the brake shoe and the lever main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takuji TAKAMATSU, Keigo KITAJIMA, Kei SAITO, Shingo MATSUO
  • Publication number: 20140346266
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a handle, a reel unit, a rotor, a spool, a rotor drive mechanism, and an anti-reverse mechanism. The reel unit has a fishing rod attachment portion and a mount portion. The rotor drive mechanism includes a drive gear and a pinion gear. The pinion gear is disposed in the through hole. The pinion gear is meshed with the drive gear. The anti-reverse mechanism is configured to prevent the rotor from rotating in a fishing-line releasing direction. The anti-reverse mechanism includes a one-way clutch assembly. The one-way clutch assembly is detachably attached to the mount portion of the reel unit. The rotor drive mechanism includes a seal member. The seal member is configured to seal a clearance between the pinion gear and the through hole while being disposed at a rear end of the one-way clutch assembly in the back-and forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo MATSUO, Keigo KITAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20140175206
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool according to a first aspect of the present invention is a spinning reel spool that delivers fishing line forward. The spinning reel spool comprises a spool body and a ring member. This spool body has a body portion and a protruding portion. The protruding portion is integrally formed on a front side of the body portion. The protruding portion is annularly arranged and protrudes from the body portion in an axial direction of the spool body. The ring member is disposed on an outer circumferential portion of the protruding portion of the spool body. The ring member is held between the body portion and a plastically deformed part of the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Takuji TAKAMATSU, Keigo KITAJIMA, Kouji OCHIAI, Akihiko SATO
  • Patent number: 7967232
    Abstract: In a bail arm of a spinning reel, a first bail support member includes a through hole penetrating therethrough toward an inner periphery of the roller from outside. A cap member made of a synthetic resin is attached to the through hole. The cap member includes a lubricating port to supply a lubricant therethrough. Further in the bail arm of a spinning reel, a first lubricating port is formed in a first rotation support portion configured to be exposed to the outside in a fishing line release posture of the first bail support member. The first lubricating port continuously penetrates inner and outer peripheries of the first rotation support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hiraoka, Keigo Kitajima, Shingo Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20110095118
    Abstract: In a bail arm of a spinning reel, a first bail support member includes a through hole penetrating therethrough toward an inner periphery of the roller from outside. A cap member made of a synthetic resin is attached to the through hole. The cap member includes a lubricating port to supply a lubricant therethrough. Further in the bail arm of a spinning reel, a first lubricating port is formed in a first rotation support portion configured to be exposed to the outside in a fishing line release posture of the first bail support member. The first lubricating port continuously penetrates inner and outer peripheries of the first rotation support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Keigo KITAJIMA, Shingo MATSUO
  • Patent number: 7798437
    Abstract: A rotor includes a rotor body, first to third cover members, and first and second mounting brackets. The rotor body includes a tubular member and first and second rotor arms. The first and second rotor arms extend forward from first and second sides of the rear end of the tubular member. The rotor arms are also spaced apart from the outer periphery of the tubular member. The first and second cover members cover a portion of the outside of the first and second rotor arms. The third cover member is coupled to the rear ends of the first and second cover members, and covers the rear end of the tubular member. The first and second mounting brackets are disposed in front of the third cover member so as to be covered by the first and second cover members. The first and second mounting brackets are used for mounting the third cover member to the rotor body by way of screw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hiraoka, Keigo Kitajima, Shingo Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7775471
    Abstract: An indicating section is formed in a rear flange portion of a metal spool. The indicating section includes first and second stepped portions. These portions are indicators for the amount of fishing line wound around spool. The first stepped portion is formed by first and second surfaces. The first surface is part of the surface of the rear flange portion. The second surface is formed radially outward of the first surface. The axial heights of the first and second surfaces are different from each other. The second stepped portion is formed by third and fourth surfaces and is also formed radially outward of the first stepped portion. The third surface is part of the surface of the rear flange portion. The fourth surface is formed radially outward of the third surface. The axial heights of the third and fourth surfaces are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20100187345
    Abstract: A rotor includes a rotor body, first to third cover members, and first and second mounting brackets. The rotor body includes a tubular member and first and second rotor arms. The first and second rotor arms extend forward from first and second sides of the rear end of the tubular member. The rotor arms are also spaced apart from the outer periphery of the tubular member. The first and second cover members cover a portion of the outside of the first and second rotor arms. The third cover member is coupled to the rear ends of the first and second cover members, and covers the rear end of the tubular member. The first and second mounting brackets are disposed in front of the third cover member so as to be covered by the first and second cover members. The first and second mounting brackets are used for mounting the third cover member to the rotor body by way of screw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Keigo KITAJIMA, Shingo MATSUO
  • Patent number: 7762489
    Abstract: A spool for a spinning reel is attached to a non-circular portion formed on a tip of a spool shaft. The spool shaft moves back and forth but is prevented from rotating with respect to a reel unit. The spool includes a spool unit and a bearing member. The spool unit includes a bobbin trunk and a drag accommodation part. The bobbin trunk is capable of winding a fishing line around its outer periphery. The drag accommodation part is formed on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member is a tubular member made of synthetic resin. The bearing member rotatably supports the spool unit. The bearing member is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member has an engagement hole non-rotatably engaged with the non-circular portion of the spool shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Matsuo, Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7665683
    Abstract: A bail arm is provided in a spinning reel for guiding a fishing line to a spool and is mounted to a rotor that includes a first rotor arm and a second rotor arm opposed to the first rotor arm. The bail arm includes a first bail support member 40, a fixing shaft 43, a line roller 41, a fixing shaft cover 44, a fixing bolt 46, and an anti-rotation member 47. The first support member 40 is pivotally mounted to the first rotor arm. The fixing shaft 43 is fixed to the first support member 40. The fixing bolt 46 includes a non-circular head portion 46a and fixes the fixings shaft 43 to the first support member 40. The anti-rotation member 47 is detachably mounted to the first support member 40 and makes contact with the outer peripheral surface of the non-circular head portion 46a for preventing rotation of the fixing bolt 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Ochiai, Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7614577
    Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle arm, a knob shaft and a handle knob that includes a tubular portion and a substantially spherical knob portion. The tubular portion is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the knob shaft. The knob portion is unitarily formed with the tubular portion. The knob portion has a first knob with a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface and a second knob that is disposed on a side of the first knob opposite the handle arm. The second knob has a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface with a diameter larger than a diameter of the first knob. The second knob is unitarily linked with the first knob at a junction a distance from the outermost radial portion at a region of the knob portion opposite the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Ochiai, Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20090272831
    Abstract: A spool for a spinning reel is attached to a non-circular portion formed on a tip of a spool shaft. The spool shaft moves back and forth but is prevented from rotating with respect to a reel unit. The spool includes a spool unit and a bearing member. The spool unit includes a bobbin trunk and a drag accommodation part. The bobbin trunk is capable of winding a fishing line around its outer periphery. The drag accommodation part is formed on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member is a tubular member made of synthetic resin. The bearing member rotatably supports the spool unit. The bearing member is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member has an engagement hole non-rotatably engaged with the non-circular portion of the spool shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Shingo Matsuo, Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20090166460
    Abstract: An indicating section is formed in a rear flange portion of a metal spool. The indicating section includes first and second stepped portions. These portions are indicators for the amount of fishing line wound around spool. The first stepped portion is formed by first and second surfaces. The first surface is part of the surface of the rear flange portion. The second surface is formed radially outward of the first surface. The axial heights of the first and second surfaces are different from each other. The second stepped portion is formed by third and fourth surfaces and is also formed radially outward of the first stepped portion. The third surface is part of the surface of the rear flange portion. The fourth surface is formed radially outward of the third surface. The axial heights of the third and fourth surfaces are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20090152389
    Abstract: A bail arm is provided in a spinning reel for guiding a fishing line to a spool and is mounted to a rotor that includes a first rotor arm and a second rotor arm opposed to the first rotor arm. The bail arm includes a first bail support member 40, a fixing shaft 43, a line roller 41, a fixing shaft cover 44, a fixing bolt 46, and an anti-rotation member 47. The first support member 40 is pivotally mounted to the first rotor arm. The fixing shaft 43 is fixed to the first support member 40. The fixing bolt 46 includes a non-circular head portion 46a and fixes the fixings shaft 43 to the first support member 40. The anti-rotation member 47 is detachably mounted to the first support member 40 and makes contact with the outer peripheral surface of the non-circular head portion 46a for preventing rotation of the fixing bolt 46.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Koji OCHIAI, Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7500631
    Abstract: A gear mounting structure for a fishing reel includes a screw shaft, a gear component and a ring member. The screw shaft has a shaft body, a spiral groove and a mounting part provided at an end of the shaft body. The spiral groove has a crossing point on an exterior circumference of the shaft body. The gear component has a gear body, a plurality of gear teeth and a mounting cavity. The gear teeth are formed in a circumferential direction along an exterior circumference of the gear body. The mounting cavity is for non-rotatably mounting the mounting part. The ring member has an elastic body interposed between the mounting part and the mounting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20080257996
    Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle arm, a knob shaft and a handle knob that includes a tubular portion and a substantially spherical knob portion. The tubular portion is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the knob shaft. The knob portion is unitarily formed with the tubular portion. The knob portion has a first knob with a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface and a second knob that is disposed on a side of the first knob opposite the handle arm. The second knob has a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface with a diameter larger than a diameter of the first knob. The second knob is unitarily linked with the first knob at a junction a distance from the outermost radial portion at a region of the knob portion opposite the tubular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Koji OCHIAI, Keigo KITAJIMA
  • Patent number: 7413138
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily fix a cover member to a reel unit of a spinning reel while exposure of a fixing member to a rear portion of the reel unit is reduced. A reel unit includes a reel body, a lid member, a reel unit protection member, and an intermediate member. The reel body includes an accommodation space that opens to a lateral side, a first insertion hole that is communicated with the accommodation space, and a second insertion hole that is disposed on the opposite side of the first insertion hole and is communicated with the accommodation space. The lid member is detachably/reattachably mounted to the reel body so as to cover the accommodation space. The reel unit protection member is mounted from backward so as to cover the reel body and the lid member, and includes a boss that passes through the first insertion hole from a rear portion of the reel body and protrudes toward the accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Hirokazu Hiraoka, Shingo Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7401748
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily attach a sound producing mechanism to a spool of a spinning reel and to compactly dispose the spool. An annular attachment member to which a hitting member of a sound producing mechanism is attached is detachably/reattachably mounted and fixed in an attachment recess that is formed to be annularly concaved in an inner peripheral portion of a bobbin trunk. Here, the annular attachment member is completely mounted in the attachment recess that is formed to be annularly concaved. Accordingly, it is possible to easily attach the attachment member to the attachment recess, and it is also possible to uniformly maintain the weight balance of a spool in the peripheral direction. In addition, here, the attachment member is mounted in the attachment recess. Thus, the attachment member is not likely to protrude backward from a rear end portion of the bobbin trunk, compared to the conventional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Hirokazu Hiraoka, Shingo Matsuo