With Bearing Feature Patents (Class 242/321)
  • Patent number: 11477971
    Abstract: A baitcaster includes a body, a spool, a handle, and a drive. The body defines a proximate end and a distal end opposite the proximate end. The spool extends between the proximate end and the distal end. The handle extends from the proximate end and is configured to receive an input torque. The drive is configured to receive the input torque from the handle at the proximate end and drive the spool through a coupling at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: TrikaUSA Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Pulkrabek, Ty Warner, Danny Uribe, Ron Hedberg
  • Patent number: 11350618
    Abstract: A reel, such as a spincast reel, provides increased cranking power by eliminating sliding contact associated with a line pickup mechanism when the reel is in line retrieval mode. Fishing line is retrieved by locating a cam member proximate a body spool boss during a casting state for positioning the cam member to be acted on by cam engaging structure of the body spool boss. The cam member is rotated relative to the body spool boss. The cam member and a pick up pin are moved radially outwardly by the cam engaging structure. The cam member is axially moved away from the body spool boss. The cam member may then be rotated relative to the body spool boss during a line retrieve state, wherein the cam member and the body spool boss are spaced apart from one another for facilitating frictionless relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ZEBCO HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Kent L. Zwayer
  • Patent number: 11317614
    Abstract: A line guide mechanism for a spinning reel includes a bail support member movably connected to one of the pair of rotor arms, a fixed shaft fixed to the bail support member, a line roller rotatably supported by the fixed shaft to guide the fishing line to the spool, a bail having an end supported by the bail support member via the fixed shaft to guide the fishing line to the line roller, a cover member on the end of the bail to cover a part of the line roller, and a projection member on the bail support member and having a line slack prevention portion including a first part extending in an axial direction of the fixed shaft and facing the line roller in a radial direction of the fixed shaft closer to an axis of the fixed shaft than an outer peripheral surface of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Ochiai, Hirokazu Hirayama
  • Patent number: 10617101
    Abstract: A fishing reel includes a drive shaft connected to a handle and supported by the reel body so as to be rotatable about a first axis, a drive gear on the drive shaft, a pinion gear rotating about a second axis with the rotation of the drive shaft and meshing with the drive gear, and a shaft bearing supporting the drive shaft so as to be rotatable about the first axis. The shaft bearing includes an inner race with an inner bearing surface contacting the drive shaft and an outer race having an outer bearing surface contacting the reel body. The inner bearing surface or the outer bearing surface includes an adjustment portion that causes the drive shaft to move in the first axial direction relative to the reel body, when the shaft bearing is moved relative to the drive shaft and the reel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kei Saito, Takuji Takamatsu, Satoshi Ikebukuro
  • Patent number: 9485977
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing spinning reel in which handle operation in high load winding is smooth. Specifically, the fishing spinning reel includes: a pinion gear having a rotor fixed on an end of the pinion gear and meshing with a drive gear rotationally driven by rotational operation of a handle rotatably supported on the reel body; a spool shaft inserted through the pinion gear and having a spool mounted on a front end thereof, the spool holding a fishing line wound therearound; and an oscillation mechanism configured to reciprocate the spool shaft back and forth in accordance with drive of the drive gear, wherein the spool shaft is not supported at a region from a meshing region between the drive gear and the pinion gear to a rear end of the spool shaft where the spool shaft is supported by a slidable body of the oscillation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Shimizu, Wataru Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20150122930
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetic fluid sealed bearing with which torque can be reduced without impairing a water and dust proof effect. A magnetic fluid sealed bearing according to the present disclosure includes a magnetic fluid retained by a ring-shaped magnet in an opening between an inner ring and an outer ring to seal a plurality of rolling members. The magnet is magnetized such that their magnetic poles point to an axial direction. The bearing further includes a ring-shaped outer polar plate and a ring-shaped inner polar plate sandwiching the ring-shaped magnet therebetween, one side of the polar plates being fixed to one of the inner ring and the outer ring, and the other side of the polar plates facing a clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Takeshige Ohara
  • Patent number: 8985493
    Abstract: A fishing-reel reel unit includes a main body member; a first outer member, and a first inner member. The first outer member is mounted on the main body member, and the first outer member includes a corrosion-resistant coating formed thereon. The first inner member is formed in a tubular shape, when the first inner member is fixed to an inner periphery of the first outer member. The first inner member has a first inner peripheral surface on which a first bearing is mounted, and the first inner member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Hirokazu Hirayama, Shouji Nakagawa, Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 8925846
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fishing-reel reel unit including a main body member having an opening includes forming the main body member having the opening and a processing reference, accommodating a bearing mounting part in the opening where the bearing mounting part has a bearing opening and an inner peripheral surface, accommodating a bearing in the bearing opening where the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, and machining the inner peripheral surface of the bearing mounting part after the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, based on the processing reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Shouji Nakagawa, Hirokazu Hirayama, Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 8876031
    Abstract: A fishing reel with dual spool spin axes includes a housing, a rotor assembly rotatably mounted on the housing, and a spool shroud assembly including a fishing line spool gimbal mounted on the rotor assembly. The shroud assembly is movable between a casting position with a spool axis parallel to a rod axis and a retrieve position with the spool axis perpendicular to the rod axis. The spool is geared to the housing in such a manner that rotation of the rotor assembly about a rotor axis to retrieve the line causes the spool to spin about the rotor axis and simultaneously about a spool axis to counteract twist in the line caused by the manner of casting the line or by line pay-out by a hooked fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brent J. Bloemendaal
  • Patent number: 8844856
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a fishing reel having a light-weight, compact and easy-to-assemble magnetic seal mechanism which allows greater freedom in material selection of the rotating member. A fishing reel according to one embodiment comprises a rotating body rotatably supported via a ball bearing and a magnetic seal mechanism for sealing the ball bearing. In one aspect, the magnetic seal mechanism comprises a magnet disposed in parallel with either a magnetic inner or outer ring of the ball bearing, and magnetic fluid disposed between the magnet and said inner or outer ring, magnetic fluid being retained by a magnetic circuit formed therebetween to seal space defined between the magnet and said inner or outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Globeride, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshige Ohara, Masashi Fujioka
  • Patent number: 8820670
    Abstract: A dual-bearing reel for forwardly releasing a fishing line includes a reel unit, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, and a rotary operation knob. The reel unit includes a frame, a first cover, a second cover, and a shaft support part. The first cover has a recess and a circular opening formed in the recess. The shaft support part is mounted to the first cover, and is relatively rotatable to the first cover. The shaft support part is pivotable between an attachment position and a detachment position. The shaft support part has a knob portion disposed astride the opening. The spool is mounted to the spool shaft to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the handle. The rotary operation knob is disposed concentrically to the spool shaft in a position where the knob portion is disposed axially outside and astride the rotary operation knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 8820669
    Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, and a casting control mechanism. The handle is rotatably supported by the reel unit. The spool shaft is rotatably supported at an end thereof by the shaft support part. The spool is mounted onto the spool shaft, where the spool is configured to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the handle. The casting control mechanism includes a brake knob rotatably supported by the shaft support part, a first plate being disposed to be contactable with the brake knob and one of end surfaces of the spool shaft, and a second plate being disposed to be contactable with the other of end surfaces of the spool shaft. The brake knob is disposed entirely in the recess. The first plate is configured to be pressed in conjunction with rotation of the brake knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 8807471
    Abstract: A fishing reel including: a housing with a side plate, a gear stud rotatably disposed relative to the housing to rotate about a first axis, and a main gear concentrically disposed relative to the gear stud. The main gear interacts with another gear to rotate a spool about a second axis. The reel also includes a drag stack concentrically disposed relative to the gear stud, a one way clutch concentrically disposed relative to the gear stud, and a clutch sleeve disposed within and engaging the one-way clutch. The clutch sleeve is constrained to rotate with the gear stud. The reel further includes an adjustment member disposed outside the housing that provides a user interface for adjusting a desired drag, and a drag adjuster that transmits drag adjustments from the adjustment member to the drag stack without axially displacing the clutch sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Pure Fishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrik Svensson, Peter Yaskowski
  • Publication number: 20130112795
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fishing-reel reel unit including a main body member having an opening includes forming the main body member having the opening and a processing reference, accommodating a bearing mounting part in the opening where the bearing mounting part has a bearing opening and an inner peripheral surface, accommodating a bearing in the bearing opening where the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, and machining the inner peripheral surface of the bearing mounting part after the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, based on the processing reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Akira NIITSUMA, Shouji NAKAGAWA, Hirokazu HIRAYAMA, Kunio TAKECHI
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8066216
    Abstract: A lever drag mechanism includes a friction disc, a drag disc, and a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism includes an urging member. The urging member urges a bearing by pressing an inner periphery thereof to allow an outer periphery of the bearing to make constant contact with a housing recess. When a drag lever is pivoted, the moving mechanism axially reciprocates the spool shaft to allow a second brake member to make contact with or to separate away from a first brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 7762489
    Abstract: A spool for a spinning reel is attached to a non-circular portion formed on a tip of a spool shaft. The spool shaft moves back and forth but is prevented from rotating with respect to a reel unit. The spool includes a spool unit and a bearing member. The spool unit includes a bobbin trunk and a drag accommodation part. The bobbin trunk is capable of winding a fishing line around its outer periphery. The drag accommodation part is formed on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member is a tubular member made of synthetic resin. The bearing member rotatably supports the spool unit. The bearing member is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk. The bearing member has an engagement hole non-rotatably engaged with the non-circular portion of the spool shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Matsuo, Keigo Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7699257
    Abstract: A handle shaft support structure rotatably supports a handle shaft on a reel unit, and includes a boss portion, a roller type one-way clutch, and a pair of seal members. The boss portion is a cylindrical member that is detachably mounted to the reel unit. The one-way clutch includes an outer ring that is non-rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the boss portion, an inner ring that is arranged on the outer periphery of the handle shaft and is integrally rotatably coupled to the handle shaft, and rolling elements that are arranged between the outer and inner rings. The one-way clutch supports the handle shaft rotatably only in one direction. The pair of seal members are members that are arranged on the both sides of the one-way clutch to seal the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kunio Takechi, Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20100038464
    Abstract: The spool shaft comprises a shaft portion, two annular first annular portions arranged on opposite ends of the shaft portion, and an annular second larger diameter portion arranged on the end of the shaft portion positioned remote from a center of the spool. Each of the first annular portions and the second larger diameter portion have an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion. The second larger diameter portion is arranged on an outward side of the first annular portion in the axial direction so as to create a space therein between the first annular portion and second larger diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shouji NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20080173745
    Abstract: A handle shaft support structure rotatably supports a handle shaft on a reel unit, and includes a boss portion, a roller type one-way clutch, and a pair of seal members. The boss portion is a cylindrical member that is detachably mounted to the reel unit. The one-way clutch includes an outer ring that is non-rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the boss portion, an inner ring that is arranged on the outer periphery of the handle shaft and is integrally rotatably coupled to the handle shaft, and rolling elements that are arranged between the outer and inner rings. The one-way clutch supports the handle shaft rotatably only in one direction. The pair of seal members are members that are arranged on the both sides of the one-way clutch to seal the one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kunio TAKECHI, Ken'ichi KAWASAKI
  • Patent number: 7314192
    Abstract: A spinning reel has a reel main unit, a spool shaft and a pinion gear. The pinion gear has a frontward section, an intermediate section and a rearward section. The intermediate section and the rearward section are supported in a freely rotatable manner in the reel main unit by a first support part and a second support part, respectively. The spool shaft passes through an internal circumference of the pinion gear. The spool shaft is supported in a freely rotatable manner at a position frontward of the frontward section by a third support part and at a position rearward of the rearward section by a fourth support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Koji Ochiai, Yutaka Inoue, Kei Saito
  • Patent number: 7178751
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprising an improved bail and/or spool system. In one example of the fishing reel, an improved bail and spool system may be adapted to facilitate casting of the fishing line. In another example of the fishing reel, an improved bail and spool system may facilitate retrieval of the fishing line. For instance, the spool may be adapted to rotate and discharge a fishing line. The spool may also be adapted to oscillate such as during retrieval of the fishing line. On the other hand, the bail may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position such as for casting and retrieval of the fishing line. However, the bail may be adapted to remain stationary during rotation or oscillation of the spool (e.g., such as during casting or retrieval of the fishing line). An example of the fishing reel may also include a release assembly. For example, the bail may be adapted to engage a portion of a lock that may be positioned in a lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory D. Isaacs
  • Patent number: 7017845
    Abstract: A drag mechanism in a fishing reel has a friction material impregnated with a phenolic resin before it is laminated to a drag plate. The material is 30% phenolic coated 99+% carbon fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Penn Fishing Tackel Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Chad Clark
  • Patent number: 6978957
    Abstract: A spool support structure for a spinning includes a bearing, a spool receiving portion, a retaining member, and a wobble prevention member. The bearing mounted on an inner peripheral portion of a spool is mounted on a non-circular portion of a spool shaft via a retaining member. The retaining member includes a retaining portion which is non-rotatably mounted on the non-circular portion of the spool shaft, a pushing portion that is pushed by the spool. The retaining portion is at least partially mounted to the non-circular portion such that there are two gaps in approximate bow shapes formed between the inner periphery of the retaining portion and the outer periphery of the non-circular portion. A wobble prevention member that suppresses wobble of the retaining member is mounted from the front of the retaining member in the gaps between the retaining portion and the non-circular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6880777
    Abstract: A first bearing and a second bearing are mounted on an inner peripheral side of an inner peripheral portion of a bobbin portion. The first bearing and the second bearing are rotatably mounted on a spool shaft a tubular retaining member. An annular member is mounted to an outer periphery of the spool shaft so as to be prevented from moving rearward relative to the spool shaft. A through hole passes through the retaining member. The retaining member is non-rotatably coupled to the spool shaft by a pin member. A nut member is mounted on the outer periphery of the spool shaft, such that the retaining member is interposed and fixedly held between the annular member and the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6874718
    Abstract: A fishing spinning reel includes a spool member surrounding rotatably a spindle for reeling a fishing line, and having front and rear friction walls. Front and rear friction members are mounted on the spindle and respectively have abutment areas to confront and to be brought into frictional engagement with the front and rear friction walls. A friction force adjusting member is retainingly movable relative to the spindle so as to be operated between depressing and releasing positions to hold the abutment area of the rear friction member in first and second frictional engagements of greater and smaller frictional forces with the rear friction wall, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6851638
    Abstract: A rotation support structure for a dual-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a spool shaft, and fluid bearings. The spool shaft is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the reel unit and can rotate relative to the reel unit. The fluid bearings have a plurality of grooves for forming a fluid lubricant film between the reel unit and the spool shaft. The rotation support structure is provided for a high-speed rotation operation of a dual-bearing reel, with which a reduction of the rotation performance during high-speed rotation can be successfully suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuyo Maeda, Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6848642
    Abstract: Fishing reel bearings curtail deterioration in rotational performance, and improve anti-corrosiveness, as well as make it easier to wash the bearings without incurring internal component corrosion. Dual-bearing reel bearing—a bearing provided between a boss, and a spool shaft disposed to the circumferentially inner side of, and rotational relative to, the boss—is furnished with an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of rolling bodies. The outer race is fitted into the boss. The inner race is fitted in the spool, disposed parted at a clearance from the outer race. Between the two races, the rolling bodies of the plurality are disposed, circumferentially spaced and contacting both the races. The outer race, the inner race, and the rolling bodies are SUS 440C manufactures coated with a highly corrosion-resistant film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6789759
    Abstract: A spinning reel for fishing includes: a reel body; a pinion rotated in response to a rotation of a handle; a rotary cylinder shaft integrally rotated with a rotor including a fishing line guide portion, the rotary cylinder shaft being rotatably supported in the reel body; a spool shaft including a spool at an end portion thereof, the spool shaft being inserted into the rotary cylinder shaft so that so that the spool shaft can be reciprocated in an axial direction thereof; a recessed portion formed in the axial direction on an inner circumference side of the rotary cylinder shaft; and a pair of rolling bearings arranged so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction between the recessed portion and an outer circumferential face of the spool shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignees: Daiwa Seiko, Inc., Hotec Industries Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Miyasaka, Tetsuya Shimozaki, K.C. Cheung, Danny S. C. Yuen
  • Publication number: 20030209621
    Abstract: A rotation support structure for a dual-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a spool shaft, and fluid bearings. The spool shaft is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the reel unit and can rotate relative to the reel unit. The fluid bearings have a plurality of grooves for forming a fluid lubricant film between the reel unit and the spool shaft. The rotation support structure is provided for a high-speed rotation operation of a dual-bearing reel, with which a reduction of the rotation performance during high-speed rotation can be successfully suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuyo Maeda, Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6637690
    Abstract: The line roller 23 is rotatably supported on the supporting portion 17 of a supporting member 11 through bearings 25, 27. The bearings are interposed between an inner periphery of the line roller and the supporting portion of a supporting member, arranged in parallel in the axial direction, and are separately disposed each other. The opposite ends of the bearings are in contact with stopping portions in the inner periphery of the line roller. The bearing 25 has an outer end being in contact with a stopper 33 of the support member through a first seal member 31, while the bearing 27 has an outer end being in contact with a stopper 37 of the support member through a second seal member 35. The first and second sealing members are supported as being held between the bearings and the stoppers respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsuda
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6588693
    Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool rotatably supported in a bearing arrangement on a spindle unit. The spindle unit is a held-together unit incorporating an elongated spindle and a bearing housing supported on the spindle by at least two spaced apart rolling bearings. Annular end washers on the spindle shield off the interior of the housing from the surrounding environment via a small slot acting as a seal. The housing has at least one exterior radially extending shoulder and the spool has at least one internal projection intended to engage the shoulder of the housing to define the axial position of the spool relative to the bearings while also taking up axial load in one direction. A resilient member between the bearing housing and the spool gives play-free contact between the housing and the spool and gives a pretension of the spindle unit against the shoulder of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: Aktiebolaget SKF, Pure Fishing Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Andrén, Folke Östling, Maurice Richard, Patrik Svensson
  • Publication number: 20030111569
    Abstract: Fishing reel bearings for curtailing deterioration in rotational performance, and improving anti-corrosiveness, as well as making it easier to wash the bearings without incurring internal component corrosion. Dual-bearing reel bearing 24a-a bearing provided between a boss 6c, and a spool shaft 16 disposed to the circumferentially inner side of, and rotational relative to, the boss 6c—is furnished with an outer race 34a, an inner race 34b, and a plurality of rolling bodies 34c. The outer race 34a is fitted into the boss 6c. The inner race 34b is fitted in the spool 16, disposed parted at a clearance from the outer race 34a. Between the two races 34a, 34b the rolling bodies 34c of the plurality are disposed, circumferentially spaced and contacting both the races 34a, 34b. The outer race 34a, the inner race 34b, and the rolling bodies 34c are SUS 440C manufactures coated with a highly corrosion-resistant film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6575392
    Abstract: A fly fishing reel includes a casing having two opposite ends and a peripheral wall extending between and cooperating with the opposite ends to confine an inner space thereamong. A spool is mounted rotatably in the casing and has two opposite flange portions with free ends that are radially and respectively spaced apart from the peripheral wall by first and second gaps. The flange portions divide the inner space into two opposite end chambers and an intermediate chamber which is in fluid communication with the opening and the end chambers via the first and second gaps. A pair of elastic sealing rings are respectively interposed between the free ends of the flange portions and the peripheral wall so as to seal the first and second gaps for preventing dust and liquid from entering into the end chambers via the opening and the intermediate chamber from the exterior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Eugene Hong
  • Patent number: 6550709
    Abstract: The fly fishing reel of this invention comprises a housing that includes a mounting shoe for attaching the reel to a fishing rod, a hub attached axially to the center of the housing, a spool containing a centrally mounted spindle supported within the hub, and an adjustable, highly effective and efficient drag system coupled between the spool and housing. The drag system is a unidirectional variable friction brake that includes a first and second inner bearing races and first and second outer bearing races. The inner bearing races each have convex hemispherical friction surfaces. The outer bearing races each have concave hemispherical friction surfaces. The outer races are rotationally fixed by interlocking geometry with the hub. The inner races encase a unidirectional roller clutch which receives the spindle attached to the spool. The hemispherical friction surfaces are longitudinally concentric with the rotational axis of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Native Reels
    Inventor: Michael Vashro
  • Patent number: 6511007
    Abstract: The double-bearing type reel has a spool for winding up a fishing line and a drag mechanism 5 slipping to rotate the spool when a predetermined tension acts on the line wound round the spool. The drag mechanism comprises an outer ring, an inner shaft, a plurality of rollers arranged between the outer ring and the inner shaft so as to roll, and a torque adjusting section for moving the outer ring and the inner shaft relatively in an axial direction. The rollers are arranged between tapered roll surfaces which are an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and an outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft and have center axes inclined against center axes of the outer ring and the inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ken Matsuura Racing Service Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6508426
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing reel (10) which comprises a reel body (12), a spool (14) rotatable relative to the reel body, a handle (16) for rotating the spool, and a drive bearing (32) connecting the handle to the spool. The drive bearing (32) is in the form of a ball-bearing including a plurality of balls (34) which are mounted to the handle (16) and which are arranged to rotate so that rotation of the handle (16) at a first velocity is transferred to the spool (14) at a second velocity greater than the first velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Giles Whittle-Herbert
  • Publication number: 20030001035
    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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6460793
    Abstract: To avoid an odd sensation when gripping a dual-bearing fishing reel unit and to prevent attaching/detaching by mistake, a dual-bearing reel body having: a spool-cranking handle disposed on one side surface and a spool disposed inside, and including a frame; a spool support member; a nub; a first side-cover; and a second side-cover. The reel frame includes a pair of proximal and distal side-plates and arranged at a predetermined spacing, and a circular opening a through which the spool can be passed is provided on the distal side-plate. The spool support member rotatively supports one end of a spool shaft and is detachably mounted to distal side-plate, such that detaching the spool support member reveals the first opening. The nub is for attaching/detaching the spool support member and is provided on the spool support member. The first side-cover can be opened and closed and covers the outer side of the side-plate, together with the spool support member and the nub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirayama, Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 6457662
    Abstract: A spinning reel rotor drive device that keeps thrust force from acting upon the one-way clutch. The rotor drive device 5 for a spinning reel drives a rotor in the reeling direction according to the rotation of a handle rotatably supported on a reel unit, and prevents the rotor from reversing in the line winding-out direction, said apparatus comprising a face gear 11, a pinion gear 12, a bearing 16, a restriction member 17, and a rotation check mechanism 13. The bearing is fitted in a state of restricted movement to the rear thereof on the barrel 14 of the reel unit in order to rotatably support the pinion gear on the reel unit. The restriction member is fixed to the reel unit in order to restrict the forward movement of the bearing. The rotation check mechanism has a roller-type one-way clutch provided ahead of the restriction member, and prevents the rotor from reversing in the line winding-out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Sato
  • Publication number: 20020125358
    Abstract: Nut that screws together with pinion gear, and bearing that is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the nut, are provided on the front of a spinning-reel rotor. Pressing member is mounted on the front faces of the nut and bearing, such that it abuts on outer race of bearing. Pressing member is installed so as to be rotatable with respect to spool shaft, which is a rod element. Pressing member is water-repellency treated over all its surfaces, including the face that forms a clearance with spool shaft. The present invention prevents invasion of water droplets into rotatory-component clearances in a water-sealing component assembly composed of a relatively rotatable plurality of components, while sustaining rotational efficiency of the rotatory components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Koji Takikura
  • Publication number: 20020113156
    Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool rotatably supported in a bearing arrangement on a spindle unit. The spindle unit is a held-together unit incorporating an elongated spindle and a bearing housing supported on the spindle by at least two spaced apart rolling bearings. Annular end washers on the spindle shield off the interior of the housing from the surrounding environment via a small slot acting as a seal. The housing has at least one exterior radially extending shoulder and the spool has at least one internal projection intended to engage the shoulder of the housing to define the axial position of the spool relative to the bearings while also taking up axial load in one direction. A resilient member between the bearing housing and the spool gives play-free contact between the housing and the spool and gives a pretension of the spindle unit against the shoulder of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Lars Andren, Folke Ostling, Maurice Richard, Patrik Svensson
  • Publication number: 20020096588
    Abstract: Spinning-reel bail arm is provided on the fore-ends of first and second rotor arms to let it pivot between a line-guiding posture and a line-releasing posture, and is furnished with: first and second bail-support members mounted pivotally on the fore-ends of the first and second rotor arms; a line roller provided on the fore end of the first bail-support member; a stationary shaft that rotatively carries the line roller; a stationary-shaft cover; a bail that interconnects the stationary shaft cover and the second bail-support member; and a line-slack preventing part. The line-slack preventing part has a fishing-line piloting surface for piloting fishing line toward the line roller and is situated on the side of the first bail-support member from which the stationary shaft projects, such that the line-slack preventing part projects from the first bail-support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Taisei Morise, Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Publication number: 20020079395
    Abstract: The line roller 23 is rotatably supported on the supporting portion 17 of a supporting member 11 through bearings 25, 27. The bearings are interposed between an inner periphery of the line roller and the supporting portion of a supporting member, arranged in parallel in the axial direction, and are separately disposed each other. The opposite ends of the bearings are in contact with stopping portions in the inner periphery of the line roller. The bearing 25 has an outer end being in contact with a stopper 33 of the support member through a first seal member 31, while the bearing 27 has an outer end being in contact with a stopper 37 of the support member through a second seal member 35. The first and second sealing members are supported as being held between the bearings and the stoppers respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: DAIWA SEIKO, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20020066816
    Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. A first element is one of a) part of the frame and b) mounted on the frame. The operating mechanism has a second element mounted on the frame for guided movement relative to the first element. The operating mechanism further includes a jewel element which resides between the first and second elements so as to guide movement of the second element relative to the first element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Shawn Littau
  • Patent number: 6394382
    Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. A first element is one of a) part of the frame and b) mounted on the frame. The operating mechanism has a second element mounted on the frame for guided movement relative to the first element. The operating mechanism further includes a jewel element which resides between the first and second elements so as to guide movement of the second element relative to the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Shawn Littau
  • Publication number: 20020023979
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a bearing arrangement for reels, primarily fly fishing reels. The device comprises a drum (11) having a bearing ring (13) which forms a side edge of the drum and which at its peripheral, outer surface has a track (16) to receive the bearing balls (5) which are held together by a ring (6), the drum being enclosed by a cage (8) having a first, inner bearing ring (7) which has a contact surface for the balls and which by a thread is connected to a second, outer bearing ring (4) which also has a contact surface or the balls. A free volume (15) is formed between the first bearing ring (7) and the second bearing ring (4). The free volume (15) may be varied by adaptation of the setting of the outer bearing ring (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: OPM Fishing Tackle Ltd.
    Inventor: Mats Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6286772
    Abstract: A fishing reel has a frame adapted for mounting fishing reel to a rod, and a spindle is mounted in anti-reverse mechanism received in the frame for one way rotation with respect to the frame. An axle tube is mounted on the spindle by a drag assembly for adjustably permitting rotation of the axle tube against the anti-reverse mechanism, and a spool is removably received and secured in interlocking engagement on the axle tube. Therefore, the spool may be removed and replaced on the axle tube independent of the anti-reverse mechanism and drag assembly, and the anti-reverse mechanism may be reversed for opposite rotation of the spool. A drag assembly mounts the axle tube to the spindle by two ball bearings assemblies and a clutch pack of washers. An adjustment mechanism compresses the clutch pack of washers through the inner races of the bearing assemblies, so that the spool rotates with the axle tube with a minimum of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Robert W. Koelewyn
  • Patent number: 6270028
    Abstract: A fishing reel wherein is incorporated a spool free mechanism comprising: a crank handle nonrotatably secured to a crankshaft which rotates a drive gear. A mating pinion gear includes an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder which are supported by bearings, and a feature for drivingly engaging the spool shaft. The inner and outer shoulders are slidable within the supporting bearings such that, in a first position, the pinion gear is drivingly engaged with the spool shaft for rewinding the line and, in a second position, the pinion gear is disengaged from the spool shaft, allowing the spool to freely rotate during casting. In the second position, there is no contact between the spool shaft and the pinion gear, hence, the pinion gear does not cause unnecessary friction during a casting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Hyunkyu Kim, Christopher S. Littau