Abstract: An electric actuator, in particular for driving a gearbox selector shaft, the actuator comprising a coil guided in rotation between two flat permanent magnets carried by yoke plates, the coil being centered on the rotary spindle and having an angular stroke lying in the range 90° to 180°, its rotary spindle being connected by stepdown gearing to the gearbox selector shaft.

Abstract: There is hereinafter provided a reciprocating/oscillating structure for use in a fishing reel, wherein the guide carries a guide slot within it that is asymmetric in shape, and that creates two separate spool movement velocity regimes as the spool is moved forward and backward during recall of fishing line into the reel. The guide slot of the instant invention is asymmetrically constructed to produce, in a two-cycle-type spool movement arrangement, one spool velocity profile in the forward direction and a different spool velocity function in the rearward direction. In the preferred embodiment, the two velocity profiles (asymmetries of the guide) will be chosen to be complementary in the sense that imperfections in the velocity function in one direction can be compensated for to some extent during movement in the second cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a super-elastic, lightweight bail wire in combination with a bail assembly for use in connection with spinning-type fishing reels. In the most preferred embodiment the bail is made of an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy wire.

Abstract: A magnetic bail mechanism utilizing opposed, cooperating magnetic means, each having a plurality of magnetic regions which, when in cooperating relationship, contribute torque and provide a tendency for the magnetic means to separate throughout the bail range. The magnetic means interface to provide a maximum separation tendency between the magnetic means at the trip point of the bail and a minimum separation tendency at each of the cast and retrieve positions. The magnetic means provide a torque force urging the bail into the retrieve position when the bail is located between the retrieve position and the trip point and a torque force urging the bail into the cast position when the bail is located between the trip point and the cast position. The magnetic means are prevented from assuming any arrangement whereby facing regions of opposite polarity are substantially axially aligned.

Abstract: A fishing reel with a frame having a first axis and forward and rear ends spaced axially relative to the first axis and an operating mechanism on the frame. The operating mechanism includes a line carrying spool, a rotor that is rotatable around the first axis relative to the frame, a bail assembly on the frame which is changeable between a cast position and a retrieve position, a rotor operator, and a drive train through which the rotor is rotated around the first axis in response to operation of the rotor operator. The operating mechanism further has a bail actuating system for moving the bail assembly from the retrieve position into the cast position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a super-elastic, lightweight bail wire in combination with a bail assembly for use in connection with spinning-type fishing reels. In one preferred aspect, the bail wire has a modulus of elasticity (E) and a moment of inertia (I) whose product (E.times.I) is equal to or less than 45 lbs.-in..sup.2. In another preferred aspect, the bail wire has a weight per unit length equal to or less than 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 lbs./in. Both aspects of the invention are achieved in an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy bail wire.

Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. The operating mechanism includes a line carrying spool, a rotor that is rotatable around a first axis relative to the frame, a bail assembly on the frame which is changeable between a cast position and a retrieve position, a rotor operator, and a drive train through which the rotor is rotatable around the first axis in response to operation of the rotor operator. The operating mechanism further includes a trigger that is repositionable relative to the frame between first and second positions. The trigger causes the bail assembly to be changed from the retrieve position into the cast position as the trigger moves from the first position into the second position. A trip link on the rotor is repositionable from a retracted position into an extended position as an incident of the bail assembly changing from the retrieve position into the cast position. A trip link actuator is repositionable between first and second positions.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: a plurality of braking elements; a braking element assembly for retaining the braking elements in radial paths about a rotational axis such that a centrifugal force imparted to the braking elements by rotating the braking elements about the rotational axis will urge the braking elements to move in their radial paths away from the rotational axis toward individual, extended radial positions; a contact member; and a positioning mechanism for selectively positioning the contact member in at least a first location and a second location. When the contact member is positioned in its first location and the braking elements are in their extended radial positions, at least one of the braking elements contacts the contact member. However, when the contact member is positioned in its second location, the one braking element just mentioned cannot contact the contact member, regardless of whether the braking element is in its extended radial position.

Abstract: A method for producing fishing reel frames and a fishing reel frame employs a starting piece comprising: a longitudinal first side wall; a longitudinal second side wall having a spaced relationship with the first side wall such that the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall; and at least one longitudinal cross-structure holding the first and second side walls in the spaced relationship. The starting piece is preferably an extruded structure. The method comprises the step of machining the starting piece to produce a plurality of individual frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for removably securing a cover on a fishing reel frame. The inventive apparatus comprises a locking member having a locking pin. The inventive apparatus also comprises an opening, provided by the frame, for receiving the locking pin to thereby secure the cover on the frame. The locking member is retained in the cover for reciprocating movement along a line of reciprocation. The apparatus further comprises an actuator, operable from outside of the cover, for moving the locking member along its line of reciprocation to thereby remove the locking pin from the frame opening.

Abstract: A flexible line trimmer for shipping and storing in a knocked down version for reduced package sizes includes a single length of tube that is received within an extended neck portion of a motor housing. During final assembly, the tube is extended and locked into position without the need for tools.

Abstract: A flexible line trimmer for shipping and storing in a knocked down version for reduced package sizes includes a single length of tube that is received within an extended neck portion of a motor housing. During final assembly, the tube is extended and locked into position without the need for tools.