Frame Or Static Component Patents (Class 242/310)
  • Patent number: 7150423
    Abstract: A reel unit includes a frame, and first and second cover plates that are detachably mounted on both sides of the frame. The frame includes first and second side plates and a plurality of connectors that connect the first and second side plates. The first side plate includes a plate member and an annular member. The plate member includes a first opening in its inner peripheral portion. The plate member is made of a magnesium alloy, with an ellectrodeposition treatment being performed on a surface of the plate member. The annular member has a second opening through which the spool is adapted to pass, and a female threaded portion that is formed on an inner peripheral portion of the second opening. The annular member is harder than the surface of the plate member on which the electrodeposition treatment is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7121491
    Abstract: The reel unit includes a reel body that accommodates a variety of mechanisms therein and a T-shaped rod attachment leg that extends diagonally frontward and formed integrally with the reel body. The reel body includes a body member having an accommodation space in the interior thereof that opens to a side, and a lid member detachably mounted on the body member to cover the opening of the body member. A reduced thickness portion is formed in an upper rear portion of the reel body, where the rod attachment leg connects the reel body. The reduced thickness portion has a peripheral rim portion and a recessed portion that is further recessed from the peripheral rim portion. The cover member is mounted to cover the rear lower portion of the reel body in order to cover at least the peripheral rim portion of the reduced thickness portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7077351
    Abstract: A dual bearing reel includes a basic unit and a cover portion. The basic unit includes a spool, a spool driving mechanism, and a reel body. The reel body includes a main frame having first and second side plates that are spaced apart from each other, and connectors linking the first and second side plates, and third and fourth side plates each detachably mounted to the main frame. The spool and spool driving mechanism are installed in the main frame so as to function in cooperation with each other. The cover portion includes first and second cover members each detachably mounted to the reel body so as to cover the exteriors of the third and fourth side plates. More flexible ornamental design of dual bearing reel is possible while securing its indispensable functions. Also, a common part, which can be used in dual bearing reels of other models, is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Myojo, Akira Nago
  • Patent number: 7066419
    Abstract: The reel unit includes a reel body that accommodates a variety of mechanisms therein and a T-shaped rod attachment leg that extends diagonally frontward and formed integrally with the reel body. The reel body includes a body member having an accommodation space in the interior thereof that opens to a side, and a lid member detachably mounted on the body member to cover the opening of the body member. A reduced thickness portion is formed in an upper rear portion of the reel body, where the rod attachment leg connects the reel body. The reduced thickness portion has a peripheral rim poriton and a recessed portion that is further recessed from the peripheral rim portion. The cover member is mounted to cover the rear lower portion of the reel body in order to cover at least the peripheral rim portion of the reduced thickness portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Myojo, Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7051965
    Abstract: A dual-bearing reel component, whose obverse face is paint-coated, is furnished with: a base element, a ground coating formed by painting on an obverse-layer side of the base element, and a metallic coating layer having a mirroring effect and formed semitransparently on an obverse-layer side of the ground coating. The paint-coated component of the present invention improves the design of paint-coated components in their outward look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7028937
    Abstract: A reel unit has a housing unit, a first lid, a second lid, and a rod-attachment portion. The housing unit has an accommodation space formed in the interior thereof that accommodates and supports a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a master gear non-rotatably coupled to a master gear shaft. The first lid is made of a metal and is fixedly coupled to the housing unit to interpose the master gear with the housing unit. The second lid is made of a synthetic resin and is fixedly coupled to the housing unit to close the accommodation space. The rod-attachment portion is formed integrally with the housing unit and can be mounted onto a fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hitomi, Tomohiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7014135
    Abstract: A first side cover of a dual bearing reel is fastened by threadedly coupling screws from the inner side of a first side plate to a plurality of cylindrical portions that are attached to the inner surface of the first side cover. Alumite is formed on the aluminum alloy-made first side cover. A fine triazine thiol powder is diffused on the inner surface of the first side cover by an electrodeposition plating process such that an electrodeposition layer is formed thereon. The cylindrical portions are attached to the inner surface of the first side cover by inserting at least a portion of the first side cover into a die and outsert or insert-molding the cylindrical portions to the electrodeposition layer. It is possible to control increases in the cost of a decorative member, control the exposure of attachment portions, and provide an expensive appearance to the decorative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7011262
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprises a bobbin and a bracket. The bobbin comprises first and second ends and an elongate body extending between the first and second ends. The bobbin has a pair of protrusions at each end and a gathering region between each pair of protrusions. The bobbin is configured to wrappingly receive fishing line about the body and between each pair of protrusions. The bracket comprises at least one support member configured to support the bobbin relative a fishing rod. The bracket has a pair of flanges configured to be received by hoods on the fishing rod. The bracket is rigidly attached to the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: David Michael Patterson
  • Patent number: 6902127
    Abstract: A spinning-reel reel unit has a housing unit, a first lid, a second lid, a rod-attachment portion, and a cover member. The housing unit has a housing space formed therein for accommodating and supporting a drive mechanism. The first lid is fixedly coupled to a side of the housing unit detachably/reattachably, and includes a first cover portion and a first cut-out. The second lid is fixedly coupled to another side of the housing unit detachably/reattachably, and includes a second cover portion and a second cut-out. The rod-attachment portion is formed integrally with the housing unit and is adapted to be mounted onto a fishing rod. The cover member covers both of the cut-outs of when the lids are fitted to the housing unit. In the spinning-reel reel unit, weight reduction can be achieved even when a cover member is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6889926
    Abstract: A fishing reel cover is connectable to a fishing reel to define a compartment in which reel components are located. The cover comprises an inner cone element nested and securely fixed within an outer sheath element. A rearward end of the inner cone element includes a first interlocking connection feature such as internal threads adapted to engage a second interlocking connection feature such as external threads located on the fishing reel. The forward ends of the inner cone and outer sheath elements preferably define aligned guide holes through which an eyelet may be inserted. Preferably, the inner cone element will be formed of plastic with the outer sheath element being formed of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company
    Inventor: Chi Shing Li
  • Patent number: 6880776
    Abstract: A seat member of a reel unit of a spinning reel is fixed by means of a screw member to a cover portion of a lid member formed by die casting in a direction in which a body member and the lid member are separated from each other. The lid member is mounted to the body member to which various mechanisms have been mounted, and a cover member is mounted to the lower rear portion of the reel unit. Then, the cover member and the body member are fixedly coupled to each other by means of a screw member in a direction transverse to the direction in which the body member and the lid member are separated from each other, i.e., a direction transverse to the direction in which the body member and the lid member are extracted from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6857588
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel body having a connection portion for connecting said reel body to a fishing rod, and an engagement portion. A handle is rotatably mounted on the reel body. A rotor has a hole fitted onto the engagement portion of the reel body to mask the engagement portion. A spool is rotatably mounted on the reel body for a fishing line wound thereon. A cover is mounted on the reel body to mask a portion of the reel body on which heads of bolts are exposed. The cover has two arms each of which have a distal end coupled to the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6834819
    Abstract: Dual-bearing reel, onto which a harness for tying to an angler is attachable, is equipped with a reel body, a rod mount, harness clips, a spool, and a handle. The reel body is coupled to a fishing rod from below such that the reel body is disposed beneath the fishing rod during use. The reel body is furnished with a mounting pod on top that is coupled to the fishing rod. The harness clips are furnished on the rod mount side of the reel body 1, and engage the harness removably and reattachably. The spool is rotatively carried in the reel body. The handle cranks the spool. For dual-bearing reels attachable to a harness for tying to an angler, relieving the burden on the angler when using the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20040251362
    Abstract: A reel body of a spinning reel includes a first opening formed in a rear end portion of the reel body, and a mounting portion formed on the periphery of the first opening. A first cover member and a second cover member can be selectively mounted on the mounting portion of the reel body such that the contour of either of the cover members is continuous with the contour of the reel body. The first cover member is mounted so as to close the first opening. The rear second cover member has a mounting portion and a rear drag mounting portion that is formed unitarily with the mounting portion. The rear drag mechanism can be mounted within the rear drag accommodating portion. With this invention, it is possible to form a reel unit of a spinning reel with an inexpensive structure without increasing the size of the reel unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Myojo
  • Publication number: 20040075005
    Abstract: A dual bearing reel includes a basic unit and a cover portion. The basic unit includes a spool, a spool driving mechanism, and a reel body. The reel body includes a main frame having first and second side plates that are spaced apart from each other, and connectors linking the first and second side plates, and third and fourth side plates each detachably mounted to the main frame. The spool and spool driving mechanism are installed in the main frame so as to function in cooperation with each other. The cover portion includes first and second cover members each detachably mounted to the reel body so as to cover the exteriors of the third and fourth side plates. More flexible ornamental design of dual bearing reel is possible while securing its indispensable functions. Also, a common part, which can be used in dual bearing reels of other models, is established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Myojo, Akira Nago
  • Publication number: 20040041046
    Abstract: A first side cover of a dual bearing reel is fastened by threadedly coupling screws from the inner side of a first side plate to a plurality of cylindrical portions that are attached to the inner surface of the first side cover. Alumite is formed on the aluminum alloy-made first side cover. A fine triazine thiol powder is diffused on the inner surface of the first side cover by an electrodeposition plating process such that an electrodeposition layer is formed thereon. The cylindrical portions are attached to the inner surface of the first side cover by inserting at least a portion of the first side cover into a die and outsert or insert-molding the cylindrical portions to the electrodeposition layer. It is possible to control increases in the cost of a decorative member, control the exposure of attachment portions, and provide an expensive appearance to the decorative member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20040016837
    Abstract: A fishing reel which includes a body with a circular spool receiving cavity having a peripheral sidewall, an annular spool supporting surface which defines a central opening, and at least one line feed channel through the peripheral sidewall. An annular spool is positioned within the spool receiving cavity and is supported by the spool supporting surface. The spool has a circumferential line receiving cavity. The line receiving cavity is closed by the peripheral sidewall of the spool receiving cavity. The spool is rotated manually. A brake is provided for braking the rotation of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Len Rodels, Simon Kotik
  • Publication number: 20030146323
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprising a frame having forward and rearward ends and two sides to which is mounted a transversely orientated, revolvable cylindrical spool. The spool has a recessed channel of a substantially rectangular cross-section for holding a length of coiled fishing line. A line guide is mounted on said frame in a fixed position forward of the spool for directing and positioning the fishing line onto the spool channel. The line guide is positioned on the frame in alignment with the centerline of the spool channel, the center of the line guide being no lower than the mid-point of the spool channel and no higher than the rim of the spool channel. The reel includes a mechanism for controlling the rotation of the spool for dispensing fishing line on to and off of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: George C. Jeane
  • Publication number: 20030136867
    Abstract: A drag knob of a spinning reel includes a main knob unit, a presser unit and a retaining member. The knob unit is a die-cast member having a concave portion provided on the rear side, and interlocking grooves that are formed on the front side at a certain spacing in circumferential direction, and extend along an axis direction through an outer periphery of the concave portion up to a groove end. A portion of the presser unit is accommodated in the concave portion. The retaining member has corner portions that interlock with the interlocking grooves, and contact portions that are formed in one piece with the corner portions and contact the presser unit from the rear side. The retaining member has enough elasticity to be mounted in the concave portion to retain the presser unit. The present invention reduces the manufacturing costs of a fishing reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6572043
    Abstract: A drag adjustment mechanism for a spincast reel which includes a drag adjustment wheel, accessible from the exterior of the reel, which is configured to rotate in a plane parallel to the front-to-back axis of the reel. In a preferred embodiment, the drag adjustment wheel includes: a first axle projecting from a first face; a drive gear extending from a second face; a second axle extending from the drive gear; and a gripping surface formed circumferentially about the perimeter of the wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel is of a two-part construction wherein all of the components of the wheel, except the gripping surface, are die cast from metal and the gripping surface is molded over the die cast wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: W. C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Marde Burke, Henry L. Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6561448
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a convertible fishing reel which has a unique design to allow for a more efficient line casting and line retrieval. To accomplish this, a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises two separate components, a main-body chassis and a spool chassis. The spool chassis is connected to at least one support arm of the main-body chassis. The connection is such that the spool chassis can be rotated 90 degrees within the spool chassis, to be perpendicular to the main-body chassis in line casting position and parallel to the main-body chassis in a line retrieval position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Craig H. Barker
  • Publication number: 20030075632
    Abstract: The bait casting reel includes a basic unit that includes a spool, a spool driving mechanism, and an attachment frame, and outer plate members that are attached to the attachment frame All the functional members are installed in the attachment frame, such that the basic unit can perform all the indispensable functions of the bait casting reel. The outer plate members are attached to the attachment frame such that the outer plate members form the surface of the bait casting reel. The present invention allows easy and more flexible ornamental design of bait casting reel while securing its indispensable functions. The present invention also provides a common part of a bait casting reel, which can be used in bait casting reels of other models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Seiji Myojo
  • Publication number: 20030066920
    Abstract: A reel body of a spinning reel includes: a body member having an opening on a side portion thereof; a lid member screwed to the body member so as to close the opening of the side portion of the body member; a cover member attached along the outer shape of the rear of the body member and the lid member; a nut member; and a screw member. The body member has a recessed portion and a bore portion formed such that surfaces defining the recessed portion and the bore portion open out. The recessed portion and the bore portion are connected. The nut member is non-rotatably coupled to the recessed portion. The screw member is coupled to the bore portion to be inserted into the nut member. The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive fastening structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20030062436
    Abstract: A component member of a fishing reel incorporating a body constituted by a Mg alloy; and a corrosion prevented layer formed on the body by a high-voltage anodization process or a body constituted by a Mg alloy; a corrosion prevented layer formed on the body by a high-voltage anodization process or conversion treatment; and a sealing layer which is formed on the corrosion prevented layer by an impregnating process and which is free from any change in the dimension thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Mamoru Koike
  • Patent number: 6533202
    Abstract: A component member of a fishing reel incorporating a body constituted by a Mg alloy; and a corrosion prevented layer formed on the body by a high-voltage anodization process or a body constituted by a Mg alloy; a corrosion prevented layer formed on the body by a high-voltage anodization process or conversion treatment; and a sealing layer which is formed on the corrosion prevented layer by an impregnating process and which is free from any change in the dimension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Mamoru Koike
  • Patent number: 6464159
    Abstract: Paint-coated fishing component formed with recesses in which build-up of paint in the recesses is unlikely. A reel body (1) made of a magnesium alloy painted by electrodeposition includes a first side cover (6a) and a second side cover mounted to the sides of a frame. The first side cover (6a) is fastened by attaching screws (30) from the inner side of a first side plate (7a) to a plurality of protrusion portions (20) formed protruding on a rear surface. The protrusion portions (20) are provided with conduits (25) communicating recess portions formed with female threads to the immediate exterior. The conduits (25) are slits that are formed in the protrusion direction of the protrusions (20) or perpendicular to the protrusion direction, and are cut with a T-slot cutter, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shouji Nakagawa, Taisei Morise, Jun Sato, Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20020104911
    Abstract: A dual-bearing reel component, whose obverse face is paint-coated, is furnished with: a base element, a ground coating formed by painting on an obverse-layer side of the base element, and a metallic coating layer having a mirroring effect and formed semitransparently on an obverse-layer side of the ground coating. The paint-coated component of the present invention improves the design of paint-coated components in their outward look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6409113
    Abstract: Dual-bearing reel body configured to improve style and decorativeness in the outward appearance of a dual-bearing reel unit having a protruding portion. The dual-bearing reel body (1), having a handle disposed on one side surface and a spool disposed inside the dual-bearing reel unit, includes a frame (5), a pair of side-covers (6) and (7) covering both sides of the frame, and a rod-mounting leg (4) for mounting the fishing rod. The frame (5) includes a pair of side-plates (8) and (9) between which the spool is disposed and connection members (10a) and (10b) for connecting the side-plates (8) and (9). On the side of the reel body (1) on which the handle is mounted, the proximal side-cover (7) and the proximal side-plate (9) form a first cylindrical portion (11a) and a second cylindrical portion (11b) staggered so that it intersects with an outer rim of the first cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirayama, Tomoharu Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20020060258
    Abstract: Dual-bearing reel, onto which a harness for tying to an angler is attachable, is equipped with a reel body, a rod mount, harness clips, a spool, and a handle. The reel body is coupled to a fishing rod from below such that the reel body is disposed beneath the fishing rod during use. The reel body is furnished with a mounting pod on top that is coupled to the fishing rod. The harness clips are furnished on the rod mount side of the reel body 1, and engage the harness removably and reattachably. The spool is rotatively carried in the reel body. The handle cranks the spool. For dual-bearing reels attachable to a harness for tying to an angler, relieving the burden on the angler when using the harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Takeshi Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20020027177
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a convertible fishing reel which has a unique design to allow for a more efficient line casting and line retrieval. To accomplish this, a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises two separate components, a main-body chassis and a spool chassis. The spool chassis is connected to at least one support arm of the main-body chassis. The connection is such that the spool chassis can be rotated 90 degrees within the spool chassis, to be perpendicular to the main-body chassis in line casting position and parallel to the main-body chassis in a line retrieval position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Craig H. Barker
  • Publication number: 20020023980
    Abstract: A fishing reel having an elastic seal member for preventing liquid from entering provided between opposed members of the fishing reel, the elastic seal member includes: a first elastic working portion which comes in contact with one of the opposed members; an attachment portion attached to the other opposed member; and a second elastic working portion between the first elastic working portion and the attachment portion. The second elastic working portion permits deformation thereof during the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: DAIWA SEIKO, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Matsuda, Wataru Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20010042805
    Abstract: Paint-coated fishing component formed with recesses in which build-up of paint in the recesses is unlikely. A reel body (1) made of a magnesium alloy painted by electrodeposition includes a first side cover (6a) and a second side cover mounted to the sides of a frame. The first side cover (6a) is fastened by attaching screws (30) from the inner side of a first side plate (7a) to a plurality of protrusion portions (20) formed protruding on a rear surface. The protrusion portions (20) are provided with conduits (25) communicating recess portions formed with female threads to the immediate exterior. The conduits (25) are slits that are formed in the protrusion direction of the protrusions (20) or perpendicular to the protrusion direction, and are cut with a T-slot cutter, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Shouji Nakagawa, Taisei Morise, Jun Sato, Ken?apos;ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6293484
    Abstract: A bait casting reel for fishing including a reel frame having an opening, a spool rotatably mounted in the opening of the reel frame, and a spool cover, detachably engaged with the frame, for rotatably supporting the spool. The reel frame is provided on an inner periphery of the opening with a first engaging protrusion having a predetermined number of cutouts, a second engaging protrusion, and an engaging groove formed between the first and second protrusions and extended along the entire length of the inner periphery of the opening. A locking member is provided adjacent to the opening of the reel frame, for contacting a portion of the spool supporting cover to prevent the cover from rotating. The spool supporting cover includes a circular engaging edge engaged with the reel frame, and inserted into the cutout of the first engaging protrusion to guide the cover along the engaging groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Shin A Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chul Suk Oh
  • Publication number: 20010015390
    Abstract: Mechanical assembly of magnesium alloy with steel or titanium/titanium alloy parts. Because the two major metal parts in the assembly have incompatible ionization energies, a part made from aluminum or zinc alloy, the ionization energy of which in intermediary between the two, or an electric insulator intervenes to prevent electrolytic corrosion between them. Furthermore, clearances between the two major metal parts, owing for example to manufacturing tolerances, are injected with filler. The mechanical assembly may be employed in human-powered rotary machines such as spinning reels and bicycle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hitomi, Kenichi Kawasaki, Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6254022
    Abstract: A reel body (1) of a double bearing reel includes a pair of side plates (10) and (11), two connecting members (12a and 12b), and a fishing rod installation portion (4). The pair of side plates define a cylindrically shaped space there between and have respective circumferential outer surfaces formed by lathe cutting work with a radius (R1) about a first centering axis (01) so as have a circular shape. The upper connecting member (12a) connects the pair of side plates and a portion (12C) of a radially outer surface of the upper connecting member is provided with an arcuate shape formed by lathe cutting work having a radius (R2) about a second centering axis (02). The fishing rod installation portion 4 extends in the longitudinal direction of the fishing rod and is integrally formed with a portion of a lower connecting member (12b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6209816
    Abstract: Various parts in an assembly of parts are made of differing metals having incompatible ionization characteristics. Any two parts which have incompatible ionization characteristics are separated from one another such that corrosion inducing contact therebetween is eliminated. Therefore, the possibility of electrolytical corrosion can be reduced. For example, in one embodiment a spool assembly in a spinning reel includes a spool (12) made of a magnesium alloy mounted on a spool shaft (16). The spool shaft (16) is made of a stainless steel. Stainless steel and the magnesium alloy have ionization characteristics that are not compatible, leading to possible electrolytic corrosion therebetween. However, a sleeve (20) is disposed between the spool (12) and spool shaft (16). The sleeve (20) is made of an aluminum alloy that has ionization characteristics that are compatible with both the magnesium alloy and stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hitomi, Ken'ichi Kawasaki, Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6152389
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a fishing reel. In one embodiment, the inventive clutch assembly comprises: a clutch shell having a cylindrical exterior wall; a clutch contained in the clutch shell; a reel cover having a cylindrical cavity provided therein for receiving the clutch shell; at least one tab provided on the clutch shell; and a corresponding number of recesses provided in the reel cover for receiving the tabs to substantially prevent the clutch shell from rotating within the cavity. In another embodiment, the inventive clutch assembly comprises: a clutch shell having a cylindrical exterior wall; a clutch contained in the clutch shell; a reel cover having a cylindrical cavity formed therein for receiving the clutch shell; at least one tab provided in the cavity; and a corresponding number of recesses provided in the clutch shell for receiving the tabs to substantially prevent the clutch shell from rotating in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Hyunkyu Kim
  • Patent number: 6095444
    Abstract: In a double bearing type reel, an attaching member to be attached onto the inside or outside of a side plate is fastened by one screw from the inside of a bearing, to thereby enhance the work efficiency and beauty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Takeo Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6070822
    Abstract: A retainer for retaining a lure attached to a fishing line extending from a fishing reel. The retainer preferably comprises an eyelet provided on the fishing reel. The eyelet is preferably integrally formed on the exterior of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Zebco Division of Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kent L. Zwayer, Robert I. Scudder, David D. Cosby
  • Patent number: 6047913
    Abstract: A protrusion, which has three stepped recesses inside, is formed on an outer surface of a spool cover at the center which is a confronting member of a spool. A thrust bearing is fixedly set in the bottom of the recess, and a bearing is fitted in the recess. A guide member is fitted in the recess. The guide member and the bearing are prevented from coming off by a spring washer. The guide member has an inserting hole into which a spool shaft is inserted which is slightly larger in diameter than the inside diameter of the bearing. The guide member has a tapered guide surface around the inserting hole to guide the spool shaft to the inserting hole. The guide surface and the inserting hole enables smooth insertion of the spool shaft into the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Mikiharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6045075
    Abstract: A double-bearing reel includes a reel frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a handle rotatably mounted on said reel frame, a spool rotatably mounted within the reel frame, a level winding mechanism, and a rotation-transmitting mechanism for transmitting rotation of the handle to the spool. The reel frame includes a mounting section provided in the lower portion for mounting on a fishing rod and a thumb-accommodating section provided in a front portion of the upper portion for gripping together with the fishing rod. The reel frame further has defined in the front portion between the thumb-accommodating section and the lower portion an opening for introducing a fishline into the reel. The spool is rotatably mounted within the reel frame behind the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Iwabuchi, Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6032894
    Abstract: A bait cast fishing reel includes a frame, a first side assembly disclosed on a first side of the frame and a second side assembly disclosed on a second side of the frame. The first side assembly includes a drive train. The second side assembly rotatably supports a spool shaft extending from the second side assembly to the first side of the frame and into releasable engagement with the drive train of the first side assembly. The second side assembly is separable from the frame to disengage an end of the spool shaft from the first side assembly so as to expose the end. The fishing reel further includes a spool having a center bore receiving the shaft, whereby the spool may be mounted onto the shaft or demounted from the shaft over the exposed end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Assoicates, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Chapman, Christopher F. Kreuser
  • Patent number: 6016982
    Abstract: A reel for fishing is capable of mounting a fishing rod in its leading end in the direction in which a fishline is played out. The reel for fishing has a reel body which is provided with a spool on which the fishline is wound up, a handle to be driven to rotate the spool in the fishline-winding-up direction, and a grip portion to be held integrally with the reel body at the time of actual fishing. An opening is formed in the reel body, which opening is capable of smoothly thumbing the spool along the direction of the thumb which is gripping and holding the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Asano, Hiroshi Toma, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Toshiro Ono, Masaru Akiba, Teiji Matsubara, Mitsuru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6003801
    Abstract: A double-bearing type fishing reel which is improved so that, when the fishing line is let out of the reel, it will not be brought into contact with the protrusions which have uneven surfaces confronting the spool. A cover member whose front and rear end portions are curved is provided radially outwardly of a spool (13) between right and left side frames inside side boards except an upper opening extending from a finger placing member to the fishing line guide (8). The front end portion of the cover member is located near a recess of the fishing-line guide. The surface of the cover member is preferably smooth and is made of fluoro-material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikiharu Kobayashi, Shinichi Asano
  • Patent number: 6000652
    Abstract: A casting actuator having a slip-resistant contacting surface which flexes to accommodate the user's thumb. The casting actuator preferably comprises: an actuating lever; a support structure; a living hinge pivotably connecting the actuating lever to the support structure; and a flexible cover extending from the support collar over at least a portion of the lever. The flexible cover provides a flexible, slip-resistant contacting surface on the lever. The inventive actuator is preferably formed by an inventive method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first material in a mold to form a unitary, molded structure and (b) while the first material is present in mold, placing a second material in the mold to form the flexible cover. The unitary, molded structure formed from the first material comprises: the actuating lever; the support collar; and the resilient hinge. The inventive casting actuator preferably includes a convex engaging surface for operably contacting a main shaft of the fishing reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Zebco Division of Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kent L. Zwayer, David D. Cosby, Tommy Joe Cocanougher, David Schuelke, Joe Gleason, William R. Worrell, Jeffrey Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 5988550
    Abstract: A fly-fishing reel which has succeeded in overcoming such disadvantages of conventional ones that because a reel is attached to a rod through a rod connector having a constant thickness in the longitudinal direction, the center of gravity of the reel at which the reel weight is applied to the rod coincides with the center of the rod connector and is relatively away from a grip portion of the rod rearward, and hence the weight balance is not satisfactory in operation of swinging the rod to fly a fishing line. The inventive reel comprises a holder provided with a pair of flanges for guiding a rotating member, at least one line guide provided between the pair of flanges, a joint base provided between the pair of flanges and located below the line guide, and a rod connector having a joining flat portion which is inclined and joined to a recessed flat portion of the joint base. The center of gravity of the reel is shifted toward the side of a grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kiro World Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masatoshi Okui
  • Patent number: 5988548
    Abstract: A fishing reel body includes a first side; a second line retrieval handle side opposite the first side; a bridge extending between the first and second sides, the bridge supporting a thumb rest portion; a convex surface on the second side configured to extend into the user's palm and an arcuate elevated contour on the second side and configured to extend within the notch between the user's thumb and index finger. The arcuate elevated contour preferably extends substantially adjacent to the thumb rest portion so as to support the user's thumb on the thumb rest portion away from the user's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates
    Inventors: John W. Chapman, Christopher F. Kreuser
  • Patent number: 5918826
    Abstract: A casting reel is provided with a stationery reel spindle having a clutch cavity. A clutch assembly having a draw bar and a plurality of spring washers and a clutch plate is contained within the clutch cavity. A torque converter having a first race and a second race is also provided with the second race being free to rotate in one direction and engaging with and rotating with the first race in the other direction. The first race is in frictional engagement with the pressure plate which is slidably mounted on the stationary reel spindle and in frictional engagement with the clutch plate and the first race of the torque converter. A line spool is mounted on the stationary reel spindle and attached to the second race of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Flylogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Arkowski
  • Patent number: 5899398
    Abstract: In the making of a frame for a fishing reel of the multiplier type, a tubular aluminum section is produced by extrusion. The aluminum section is cut to length corresponding to the width of the frame to be made, this length being thereafter processed to form a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: ABU AB
    Inventors: Bengt-.ANG.ke Henriksson, Borje Moosberg
  • Patent number: 5897069
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Zebco
    Inventors: David Brown, Rayford A. Cockerham