Spinning Reel Frame Patents (Class 242/311)
  • Patent number: 9751596
    Abstract: A device for launching and recovering a sonar is disclosed. The device has a linear receiving antenna and a volume transmitting antenna incorporated in a volume body called fish, the sonar being towed by a surface vessel by a towing line a towing cable from which the fish is suspended, and the linear antenna being secured behind the cable relative to the vessel. The device has a towing winch that includes a frame secured to the surface vessel, making it possible to wind and unwind the towing line around a reel. The reel includes two parts that are rotationally mobile about an axis of rotation, the two parts being coupled, the first part having a cylindrical form on which the towing line is intended to be wound, the second part forming a first abutment intended to accommodate the fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventor: Christophe Borel
  • Patent number: 9510578
    Abstract: A fishing spinning reel according to the disclosure includes a drive shaft sleeve rotatably supported by a reel body, a spool shaft that reciprocates back and forth, an cylindrical aligning holder attached on a front end portion of the drive shaft sleeve, and a bearing that is fitted on an inner peripheral surface of the aligning holder and supports the spool shaft slidably in a front-rear direction. The aligning holder includes a bearing fitted portion that is situated in front of the front end portion of the drive shaft sleeve and has the inner peripheral surface on which the bearing is fitted, and a concentric fitting portion fitted into the front end portion of the drive shaft sleeve to obtain a high concentricity of the bearing with the drive shaft sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9383160
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bowfishing reel for use with an archery bow. In certain embodiments, a reel includes an outer cover surrounding a spool of fishing line and an internal mechanism. When an arrow is shot, the fishing line is uncoiled from a spool and pulled out from the outer cover as the arrow travels from the bow. After the arrow and fishing line are paid out, the reel can retrieve the line and arrow. The reel includes a pull handle extending through the outer cover to engage the internal mechanism, with the handle and the internal mechanism being biased in a forward line-release position. When the handle is pulled linearly rearward against the biasing force, the internal mechanism is moved from the line-release position to the line-retrieval position. Release of the handle allows the internal mechanism to automatically return to the line-release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventor: David White
  • Patent number: 9055735
    Abstract: The reel unit includes a chassis, a lid member, a guard member, a tubular part, and a screw member. The chassis includes a mechanism attachment space at a lateral side thereof, a first opening extending through a front edge of the chassis, and a second opening extending through a rear edge of the chassis. The guard member includes a boss being inserted into the second opening from the rear edge of the chassis. The guard member is attached to the chassis and the lid member from behind to cover the chassis and the lid member. The tubular part is disposed between the first opening and the second opening within the mechanism attachment space and arranged to be liquid-tight. The screw member passes through the first opening and being screwed into the boss. The screw member includes a head being held inside the tubular part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8939391
    Abstract: A spinning reel body of a spinning reel includes a housing, a cover member, and a guard member. The housing has an internal housing space, a sidewall that forms a side face of the housing space, and a rear wall that forms a rear face of the housing space. The housing space has an open side opposite the side face formed by the sidewall. The sidewall has a rear portion extending beyond the rear wall in a rearward direction. The cover member is mounted to the housing and covers the open side of the housing space. The guard member is mounted at the rear wall of the housing and at a rear portion of the cover member to form a space between the rear portion of the sidewall and the rear wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takuji Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 8925847
    Abstract: A spinning reel basically includes a housing, an oscillating mechanism, a retaining member and a first bolt member. The oscillating mechanism includes a traverse camshaft that is disposed in inside of the housing and a slider that slides along the traverse camshaft. The retaining member is arranged at a rear side of the traverse camshaft to retain the traverse camshaft in the housing. The bolt member fixes the retaining member to the housing by being screwed into the housing. A part of the shaft portion of the first bolt member is arranged at a prescribed spacing from the slider in an orthogonal direction to a sliding direction of the slider while the slider slides to a rear end portion of the traverse camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Saito
  • Publication number: 20140191071
    Abstract: A spinning reel configured to forwardly reel out a fishing line includes a handle, a spool, a rotor, an oscillating mechanism, a rotor drive mechanism, and a reel unit. The reel unit includes a fishing rod attachment leg, a chassis, a lid member, a reel unit guard, a protruding portion, and a restriction portion. The chassis has a mechanism attachment space to accommodate the oscillating mechanism and the rotor drive mechanism. The protruding portion protrudes towards at least one of the chassis and the lid member from an inner lateral surface of the reel unit guard. The restriction portion is disposed on at least of the chassis and the lid member The restriction portion is engaged with the protruding portion to restrict the reel unit guard from moving in a direction away from the fishing rod attachment leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hirokazu HIRAOKA
  • Publication number: 20140175207
    Abstract: A spinning reel body of a spinning reel includes a housing, a cover member, and a guard member. The housing has an internal housing space, a sidewall that forms a side face of the housing space, and a rear wall that forms a rear face of the housing space. The housing space has an open side opposite the side face formed by the sidewall. The sidewall has a rear portion extending beyond the rear wall in a rearward direction. The cover member is mounted to the housing and covers the open side of the housing space. The guard member is mounted at the rear wall of the housing and at a rear portion of the cover member to form a space between the rear portion of the sidewall and the rear wall of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takuji TAKAMATSU
  • Patent number: 8695909
    Abstract: A fishing reel handle assembly has a handle arm, a knob shaft, and a handle knob. The handle arm is relatively non-rotatably attached to a distal end of the handle shaft. The knob shaft is fixed to an end of the handle arm and extends in parallel to the handle shaft. The handle knob is supported by the knob shaft to be rotatable relative to the handle arm. The handle arm includes a main body and a convexo-concave portion. The main body extends substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the handle shaft, and is formed by laminating sheets of prepreg. The convexo-concave portion is convexly or concavely formed on at least either a front surface of the main body or a back surface of the main body. The front surface allows the handle knob to be attached thereto, the back surface disposed opposite to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Hirotaka Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8573524
    Abstract: A fishing reel has a frame. A first cover assembly is affixed to a first side of the frame. A second cover assembly is affixed to a second side of the frame. At least one of the first cover assembly and the second cover assembly define at least one opening for receiving a panel member. The cover assemblies define supporting structure that is preferably made of a metal. The panel member defines non-supporting structure that is preferably made up of non-metallic structure such as plastic polymer and carbon fiber. The panel member may be transparent and is preferably replaceable to allow a user to customize the appearance of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Martin, Clark Patrick McCune, James E. Therrell, Hyunkyu Kim, Joshua M. Denton, Yanna Wu
  • Patent number: 8342438
    Abstract: A retainer member has a retainer portion, a through hole, and non-circular cross section. A bearing section is disposed on an outer periphery of the retainer portion. The through hole has a circular axial cross section and an inner periphery, which is axially penetrated by a non-circular portion of a spool shaft from back to front. The non-circular cross-sectional portion is formed by cutting out a front end of the retainer portion by machining. The non-circular cross-sectional portion has a non-circular axial cross section that engages the non-circular portion of the spool shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20110240785
    Abstract: A fishing reel has a frame. A first cover assembly is affixed to a first side of the frame. A second cover assembly is affixed to a second side of the frame. At least one of the first cover assembly and the second cover assembly define at least one opening for receiving a panel member. The cover assemblies define supporting structure that is preferably made of a metal. The panel member defines non-supporting structure that is preferably made up of non-metallic structure such as plastic polymer and carbon fiber. The panel member may be transparent and is preferably replaceable to allow a user to customize the appearance of the reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: DAVID H. MARTIN, CLARK PATRICK McCUNE, JAMES E. THERRELL, HYUNKYU KIM
  • Patent number: 7866588
    Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing a spinning reel from an extrusion and in particular the frame or housing of a spinning reel, the method comprises the steps of providing a single long bar single extrusion, the extrusion includes two regions, a first region comprises a hollow, tube-like portion and a second region comprises a filled portion, the filled portion extending exterior of the hollow portion and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second region, cutting a blank from the end of the extrusion to form a blank and machining the blank to provide a frame or housing of a spinning reel. The invention is also directed to a spinning reel frame formed by an extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Reel Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Header, Timothy A. Wiest
  • Patent number: 7802744
    Abstract: A worm shaft disposed on an upper side of a master gear shaft. A spool shaft disposed on an opposite lower side of the master gear shaft. An engaging member arranged to engage a spiral groove in worm shaft is also disposed on the upper side of the master gear shaft. A slider body includes a first mounting portion disposed on the opposite lower side of the master gear shaft and is a portion to which the spool shaft is fixed, a second mounting portion that is disposed on the upper side of the master gear shaft and is a portion to which the engaging member is engaged, and a coupling portion for coupling the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion so that the master gear shaft is straddled by the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion when the spool shaft is disposed most forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Saito
  • 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: 7798439
    Abstract: A fishing reel includes: a reel body including left and right side plates; a spool for winding a fishing line, rotatably supported between the left and right side plates; a handle for rotating the spool; a fishing line guiding device. A fishing line guiding device includes: a slider body which is mounted between the left and right side plates on a front of the spool and is reciprocated left and right by a winding operation of the handle; a swinging body including one end portion rotatably supported by the body and the other end provided with a line guide for guiding the fishing line; and a coupling portion which couples the swinging body to the slider body so that the swinging body reciprocates the line guide arcuately left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Wataru Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 7686242
    Abstract: A fishing-reel driving device includes a reel body having a shell for accommodating a reel driving mechanism. A holding frame includes an axially extending tubular mount with a coupled surface, and a radially extending web terminating at an anchoring edge to be secured to an anchored edge of the shell. A left side cover includes a peripheral abutment edge to be sleeved on the tubular mount, and a faceplate region extending radially to terminate at an outskirt edge. A tubular tightening member has a tubular coupling surface matingly engageable with the coupled surface, and a surrounding abutment edge to force the peripheral abutment edge to move towards the web. An actuating member is insertable into the shell to be coupled to the reel driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiang Lee
  • Patent number: 7628348
    Abstract: An interlocking groove is formed on the rear upper surface of a chassis part so as to be exposed outside. A mounting hole opened backward is formed in an attachment portion. A first cover member includes a pivot shaft portion pivotably mounted to the mounting hole, and a first interlocking protrusion allowed to be interlocked with the interlocking groove when the pivot shaft portion is mounted to the mounting hole and the first cover body is pivoted with respect to the axis of the mounting hole. A second cover member is configured to cover the surrounding of the first interlocking protrusion interlocked with the interlocking groove in the lower side of the rear part of the first cover member by a retaining portion disposed on the upper part of the second cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Saito
  • Patent number: 7607602
    Abstract: A reel unit 2 for a spinning reel includes a housing unit 2a, a lid portion 2b, and a returning member 28. The housing unit 2a includes a cylindrical portion 27 and a somewhat semicircular first flange portion 24a arranged behind the cylindrical portion 27. The lid portion 2b has a somewhat semicircular second flange portion 24b arranged behind and forming a gap 27b with the rear surface of the cylindrical portion 27. The lid portion 2b is detachably coupled to the housing unit 2a. The returning member 28 is detachably mounted in gap 27b and includes a plate-like arranging portion 28a disposed in gap 27b and a protrusion 28b gradually protruding from a front side of the arranging portion 28a to face the first flange portion 24a. The protrusion 28b has a first sloped surface 28c contactable with a bail tripping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hiraoka, Kenichi Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20080308663
    Abstract: A reel unit 2 for a spinning reel includes a housing unit 2a, a lid portion 2b, and a returning member 28. The housing unit 2a includes a cylindrical portion 27 and a somewhat semicircular first flange portion 24a arranged behind the cylindrical portion 27. The lid portion 2b has a somewhat semicircular second flange portion 24b arranged behind and forming a gap 27b with the rear surface of the cylindrical portion 27. The lid portion 2b is detachably coupled to the housing unit 2a. The returning member 28 is detachably mounted in gap 27b and includes a plate-like arranging portion 28a disposed in gap 27b and a protrusion 28b gradually protruding from a front side of the arranging portion 28a to face the first flange portion 24a. The protrusion 28b has a first sloped surface 28c contactable with a bail tripping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Kenichi SUGAHARA
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080149752
    Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing a spinning reel from an extrusion and in particular the frame or housing of a spinning reel, the method comprises the steps of providing a single long bar single extrusion, the extrusion includes two regions, a first region comprises a hollow, tube-like portion and a second region comprises a filled portion, the filled portion extending exterior of the hollow portion and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second region, cutting a blank from the end of the extrusion to form a blank and machining the blank to provide a frame or housing of a spinning reel. The invention is also directed to a spinning reel frame formed by an extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory A. Header, Timothy A. Wiest
  • Patent number: 7293732
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel unit mounted to a fishing rod, and a rotor rotatably mounted to the reel unit on a front side, and guard members. The guard members include plate-shaped embedded portions and protruding portions. The embedded portion of one guard member is embedded in the reel unit from the rod attachment leg to the rear end portion and the lower and portion. The embedded portions of other guard members are embedded in the rotor on an outer portion of a cylindrical portion, and on an outer portion of a second rotor arm. The protruding portions protrude from the outer surface of the reel unit or the rotor. The guard members can come into contact with the ground when the spinning reel is placed thereon, such that scratching on the reel unit or the rotor can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Iwabuchi, Ken'ichi Sugawara, Takeshi Ikuta, Hirokazu Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 7275705
    Abstract: An open-faced spinning reel assembly having a two-piece frame and leg assembly in which the leg has a tab extending therefrom that is secured to the frame so as to be concealed in the final assembly. The frame can be attached to the tab with screws or other fasteners, or by insertion molding, and the entire assembly of a frame, leg, and cover finished for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The leg can be made from metal or metal alloy and the frame from glass-filled nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company, LLC
    Inventor: Kwok Yin Wong
  • 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: 7118060
    Abstract: A rotor includes a cylindrical portion, a front wall, and first and second rotor arms. The front wall is formed on an inner periphery of the cylindrical portion near its front end. The first and second rotor arms are arranged opposite one another on the sides of the cylindrical portion. The front wall includes a link portion and a disk portion. The outer periphery of the cylindrical portion where the link portion is linked is overlaid by the spool when the spool is at a foremost position. The disk portion is integrally linked to the link portion. The link portion includes an annular portion and a tapered portion. The annular portion is linked to the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion at its front end. The tapered portion is linked to the inner periphery of the annular portion and is tapered so that its diameter rearwardly decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Ken'ichi Sugawara, Takeshi Ikuta, Hirokazu Hiraoka, Hirokazu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7118059
    Abstract: A spinning-reel reel unit includes a rod-attachment leg and a reel body having a main piece and a lid member. The lid member is integrally formed with the rod-attachment leg and is attachably/detachably fitted to the main piece. The main piece and the lid member are shaped so that a joint forms a curved seam on the rod-attachment leg side. The joint is formed so as to bulge downward on a side of the main piece away from the rod-attachment leg. The joint is formed so as to be tilted upward on the rod-attachment leg aside toward the front. In the spinning-reel reel unit, the overall size of the reel is reduced while the strength of the reel unit is kept high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Taisei Morise
  • Patent number: 7070138
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel unit mounted to a fishing rod, and a rotor rotatably mounted to the reel unit on a front side, and guard members. The guard members include plate-shaped embedded portions and protruding portions. The embedded portion of one guard member is embedded in the reel unit from the rod attachment leg to the rear end portion and the lower and portion. The embedded portions of other guard members are embedded in the rotor on an outer portion of a cylindrical portion, and on an outer portion of a second rotor arm. The protruding portions protrude from the outer surface of the reel unit or the rotor. The guard members can come into contact with the ground when the spinning reel is placed thereon, such that scratching on the reel unit or the rotor can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Iwabuchi, Ken′ichi Sugawara, Takeshi Ikuta, Hirokazu Hiraoka
  • 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: 7051967
    Abstract: A reel unit for a spinning reel includes a reel body, a rod attachment leg that is formed integrally with the reel body, and a reinforcing member that is coupled to the reel body by being mounted opening. The rod attachment leg has an accommodation space that opens longitudinally along the length thereof, and the reinforcing member is mounted in this accommodation space. The reinforcing member is a metal member. A portion of the reinforcing member protrudes from the outer peripheral surfaces of the rod attachment leg. A through hole is formed in the lower portion of the reinforcing member, and a screw is inserted into the through hole to be screwed fast to the reel body. In this manner, the strength of a rod attachment leg on a reel unit of a spinning reel can be increased with an inexpensive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7051966
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Myojo
  • 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: 7004416
    Abstract: A fishing spinning reel includes a flat reel body, two side covers, and a driving unit. The reel body is made of metal, and has a plurality of mounting holes formed through the reel body. Each of the mounting holes has two open ends at two opposite sides of the reel body. The side covers are made of a plastic material, are disposed respectively on the opposite sides of the reel body, and are interconnected to clamp the reel body therebetween so as to define an accommodating space among the reel body and the side covers. The driving unit is disposed within the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Eugene Hong
  • Patent number: 6955316
    Abstract: A reel unit for a spinning reel has a casing and a lid portion. The casing has an opening formed in its side portion, a mechanism accommodating space formed inside, and a rotation support portion for supporting a rotation shaft (pinion gear) of the rotor. The lid portion has a cover portion and a mounting leg portion. The cover portion is mounted detachably to the casing to cover the opening of the casing. The cover portion is formed unitarily with a second flange portion so as to define a space in the interior thereof. The mounting leg portion extends from the cover portion and to the front end of which a fishing rod can be mounted. In this reel unit, the weight of the lid portion is reduced at low cost while precision and relative strength are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6932291
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a hollow reel body having an axle hole, a transverse hole and an opening. The reel body has a connection portion to couple the reel body to a fishing rod. A drive mechanism is mounted inside the reel body and has an input portion running out of the reel body through the transverse hole and an output portion running out of the reel body through the axle hole. The drive mechanism has a portion, such as a portion of a gear or a guiding device, received in the opening. A handle is coupled with the input portion for driving the drive mechanism. A rotor is coupled with the output portion of the drive mechanism for rotation. A spool is coupled with the output portion of the drive mechanism for reciprocation. A cover is mounted on the reel body to shield the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20040232265
    Abstract: A spinning-reel reel unit includes a rod-attachment leg and a reel body having a main piece and a lid member. The lid member is integrally formed with the rod-attachment leg and is attachably/detachably fitted to the main piece. The main piece and the lid member are shaped so that a joint forms a curved seam on the rod-attachment leg side. The joint is formed so as to bulge downward on a side of the main piece away from the rod-attachment leg. The joint is formed so as to be tilted upward on the rod-attachment leg aside toward the front. In the spinning-reel reel unit, the overall size of the reel is reduced while the strength of the reel unit is kept high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Taisei Morise
  • Publication number: 20040200917
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20040200916
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hitomi, Tomohiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6786442
    Abstract: A spinning reel rotor is rotatably mounted on a reel unit of a spinning reel for winding a fishing line onto a spool. The rotor includes a rotor unit, a bail arm, and an inertia-imparting ring. The rotor unit has a cylindrical portion that is rotatably mounted on the reel unit, and first and second rotor arms that extend forward from the rear edge of the cylindrical portion. The bail arm is pivotably mounted on the front tips of both arms, and guides the fishing line onto the spool. The inertia-imparting member is a member for providing inertia and is detachably mounted on the rotor unit. The rotor is designed to be lightweight, and can be utilized in both situations where the rotational feel is a priority, and where powering efficiency is a priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20040079821
    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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20040021023
    Abstract: A reel unit for a spinning reel includes a reel body, a rod attachment leg that is formed integrally with the reel body, and a reinforcing member that is coupled to the reel body by being mounted opening. The rod attachment leg has an accommodation space that opens longitudinally along the length thereof, and the reinforcing member is mounted in this accommodation space. The reinforcing member is a metal member. A portion of the reinforcing member protrudes from the outer peripheral surfaces of the rod attachment leg. A through hole is formed in the lower portion of the reinforcing member, and a screw is inserted into the through hole to be screwed fast to the reel body. In this manner, the strength of a rod attachment leg on a reel unit of a spinning reel can be increased with an inexpensive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6641070
    Abstract: A fishing reel includes a reel frame to which a cover is attached so as to enclose various internal components. The cover defines a configured opening in which an insert piece is received. One or more screws or other suitable fasteners extend between the insert piece and the reel frame to trap the cover into secure engagement with the reel frame. Thus, the cover may be attached without an external attachment mechanism as has often been required in the past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company
    Inventor: Kwok Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 6629655
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6607154
    Abstract: Spool is mounted rotatably via bearings on spool shaft of a spinning-reel, and is furnished with first and second bearing housings, bobbin trunk, and front and rear flanges. At least a part of second bearing housing is made of metal. The bobbin trunk, which is furnished with the first and second bearing housings, is a synthetic-resin manufacture outer circumferentially onto which fishing line is wrapped. The front and rear flanges are arranged on the front and rear of the bobbin trunk, and are larger in diameter than the bobbin trunk. With the present invention, it is easier to take out and replace the spool bearing although the bobbin trunk is subjected to compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Publication number: 20030146324
    Abstract: A fishing reel has a body, a rotor and a body casing. The body casing is detachably attached to the outer surface of the body and has two body casing halves. The body casing halves are respectively attached by bolts to two sides of the body. Each body casing half has an axle hole for the axle of the crank penetrating through the both axle holes. Accordingly, a user can conveniently change the appearance of the fishing reel by means of fitting one of different casings of assorted shapes or colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Yeh
  • Publication number: 20030146325
    Abstract: A reel unit for a spinning reel has a casing and a lid portion. The casing has an opening formed in its side portion, a mechanism accommodating space formed inside, and a rotation support portion for supporting a rotation shaft (pinion gear) of the rotor. The lid portion has a cover portion and a mounting leg portion. The cover portion is mounted detachably to the casing to cover the opening of the casing. The cover portion is formed unitarily with a second flange portion so as to define a space in the interior thereof. The mounting leg portion extends from the cover portion and to the front end of which a fishing rod can be mounted. In this reel unit, the weight of the lid portion is reduced at low cost while precision and relative strength are maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima