Spool Or Spool Shaft Feature Patents (Class 242/322)
  • Patent number: 7306179
    Abstract: A relatively lighter fishing reel with a spool having an inner annular member with circumferentially spaced indentations or gaps on the outer edge of the periphery which coacts with a spring and pawl assembly to prevent free spinning of the spool during payout and retrieval of the fishing line. The operative coaction of this mechanism and a unidirectional roller clutch bearing for rotationally mounting the spool with a manually adjustable drag assembly act to control the forces and tensions acting during payout of the fishing line in the use of the fly fishing reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: SVS Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Sean R. Venes
  • Patent number: 7300012
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool for use on a spinning reel including a bail to reduce friction between the spinning reel spool and fishing line during casting and eliminate the formation of fishing line ‘birdnest’ snarls during casting that result from fishing line loops created during retrieval of the fishing line onto the spinning reel spool following a cast, the spinning reel spool comprising a fishing line support member to spool fishing line thereon having a proximal mounting member to mount the spinning reel spool on the spinning reel and a distal fishing line retaining member including a lip formed on periphery thereof having a plurality of teeth-like members extending outwardly therefrom to form corresponding fishing line retaining grooves at the root or intersection of the leading edge of each tooth-like member and the lip formed on the periphery of the distal fishing line retaining member such that fishing line is reeled in after a cast against the outer face of the distal fishing line retaining member by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Doug Hannon
  • Patent number: 7275706
    Abstract: A spool for preventing backlash includes a bobbin trunk, a rear flange portion, and a front flange portion. The front flange portion includes a first protruding portion and a first oblique portion that protrudes upward and forward from a tip of the first protruding portion. The rear flange portion includes a second protruding portion and a second oblique portion that protrudes upward and rearward from a tip of the second protruding portion. A length in the radial direction of the second protruding portion is approximately the same as a length of the first protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Shingo Matsuo, Hirokazu Hiraoka, Yutaka Inoue
  • Patent number: 7195188
    Abstract: A fishing reel is disclosed including a spool for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool about a winding axis, the spool is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. A spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Strike Technology Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Maeder
  • Patent number: 7188795
    Abstract: A fishing reel including a spool (5) for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool (5) about a winding axis, the spool (5) is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. In further embodiments a spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Strike Technology Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Maeder
  • 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: 7097124
    Abstract: A spool has a bobbin, and first and second flange portions that are formed on both ends of the bobbin and have diameters larger than that of the bobbin. A drag mechanism that brakes the spool and includes a drag operation member and first and second member that are arranged on the handle side of the spool. The first brake member is attached to the second flange portion. The second brake member is arranged axially movably and opposite the first brake member. The second flange portion has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The large diameter portion has a diameter larger than that of the first brake member. The small diameter portion is formed between the bobbin and the large diameter portion and has a diameter smaller than that of the first brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7077350
    Abstract: A modular fly fishing reel includes a frame with a side wall, a generally cylindrical axle cartridge removably mounted in a mounting socket of the frame side wall and also having an outer rotatable axle tube, and a spool having a hub removably secured on the axle tube by a quick release mechanism. The axle cartridge includes a drag assembly adjustable by a drag nut positioned adjacent the frame side wall and acting on the rotatable axle tube and spool. The quick release mechanism includes a detent that is spring biased through the spool hub to engage the axle tube, and releasable by a slide button or push button mounted on a spoke of the spool. The spool has a rim defining a line pocket and the side walls and bottom wall of the line pocket are convex for high strength and low weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Koelewyn
  • Patent number: 7070139
    Abstract: The reel unit of a dual-bearing reel includes a frame, first and second side covers, an operating lever, and guard members. The frame has first and second side plates and a connection member. The first side cover, to which the handle is mounted, is mounted to the first side plate. The second side cover is mounted to the second side plate in an inclined manner such that a fore end of the second side cover is closer to the second side plate. The operating lever is provided on the second side plate protruding inward from the second side plate. The second side cover is locked in a closed state when the operation portion assumes a second position, while the operation portion allows the second side cover to be opened and closed relative to the second side plate when the operation portion assumes a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shouji Nakagawa, Akira Nago
  • Patent number: 7045217
    Abstract: A plated component used in an outdoor environment comprises a component main unit, a metal coating formed over at least a part of the component main unit, and an oxide coating formed over at least a part of the component main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nishimura, Yuzuru Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7011262
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprises a bobbin and a bracket. The bobbin comprises first and second ends and an elongate body extending between the first and second ends. The bobbin has a pair of protrusions at each end and a gathering region between each pair of protrusions. The bobbin is configured to wrappingly receive fishing line about the body and between each pair of protrusions. The bracket comprises at least one support member configured to support the bobbin relative a fishing rod. The bracket has a pair of flanges configured to be received by hoods on the fishing rod. The bracket is rigidly attached to the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: David Michael Patterson
  • Patent number: 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: 6959887
    Abstract: A spool for a dual-bearing reel that allows accurate casting to be performed is provided. A spool includes a tubular bobbin trunk, and flange portions that project radially outward on both sides of the bobbin trunk. The flange portions include inner flange portions and outer flange portions. The inner flange portions are formed on both ends of the bobbin trunk, project radially outward, and are integrally formed with the bobbin trunk. The outer flange portions are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner flange portions, and radially project outward. The outer flange portions are outsert formed on the inner flange portions. The bobbin trunk is made from an aluminum alloy, and the outer flange portions are made from a magnesium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6938847
    Abstract: A spool has a cylindrical body, a central hole and two recesses. The central hole is defined through the cylindrical body to define two openings respectively at two ends of the cylindrical body. The line recesses are defined in the outer surface of the cylindrical body for two different fishing lines to respectively wound around. Accordingly, the spool is able to simultaneously receive two kinds of fishing lines to improve convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Yeh
  • Patent number: 6926218
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fixed spool fishing reel having a spool holder and a winding mechanism including a rotary bail arm, and a spool having a spool portion on which the line is wound with a skirt portion of larger diameter than the spool portion, the spool portion having, or the skirt portion having on its rim adjacent the spool portion, a pommel over which a loop of line from the spool can be trained to be retained thereon, when it is pulled axially at the end of a cast, to check the cast but to be automatically released therefrom as a result of a pull on the line rotating the spool and/or the bail arm to alter the angular deviation of the line around the pommel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis Perrin
  • 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: 6871809
    Abstract: A fishing reel (104) and spool (106) can be made as a more versatile kit (102) in that the fishing reel (104) includes a locking system adapted to interact with a circumferential area of the spool (106). changing spool (106) becomes easier with no loose parts and alternating between left and right hand becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Georgios Psaros
  • Patent number: 6857590
    Abstract: A spool design for fishing reels is discosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Christian Heesch
  • Patent number: 6857589
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool is detachable from a spool shaft having a tapered surface and an engagement groove. The spool includes a spool unit, an engagement spring, a positioning projection, a lid member, an operation button, and an engagement hole. The spool unit includes a circular mounting space. The positioning projection determines the rotational position of the engagement spring. The operation button is mounted in the lid member and can pass over the engagement groove. The operation button includes a pair of tapered portions that are disposed with the spool shaft therebetween such that the gap between the pair of engagement portions is widened by movement of the operation button in the axial direction. The engagement hole controls the rotational position of the operation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040251363
    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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6790535
    Abstract: Parts inexpensively coated that yet are difficult to mar. The reel body 1 of a double bearing reel is given as an example of a part superficially coated in accordance with the invention. It includes a metallic base portion 10, an oxide film layer 11, a substrate paint film layer 12, and a finishing paint film layer 13. The finishing paint film layer 13 is formed by the application of a self-mending paint material. Forming the paint film layer on the surface of the reel body 1 by applying a self-mending paint material by the self-mending function of the paint material thus restores scratched portions if the surface is damaged due to scratching or the like. Therefore, scratches due to injuries tend not to remain on the coated part and as a result, scratches are unlikely to damage the surface of the body of the part. Moreover, forming the layer by applying a paint material facilitates low cost production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nishimura, Yasunori Hosoya, Tomoharu Sakurai, Chiyo Nishiku
  • Publication number: 20040113006
    Abstract: A spool design for fishing reels is disclosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Heesch
  • Publication number: 20040108399
    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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ken?apos;ichi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20040104291
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool is detachable from a spool shaft having a tapered surface and an engagement groove. The spool includes a spool unit, an engagement spring, a positioning projection, a lid member, an operation button, and an engagement hole. The spool unit includes a circular mounting space. The positioning projection determines the rotational position of the engagement spring. The operation button is mounted in the lid member and can pass over the engagement groove. The operation button includes a pair of tapered portions that are disposed with the spool shaft therebetween such that the gap between the pair of engagement portions is widened by movement of the operation button in the axial direction. The engagement hole controls the rotational position of the operation button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Keigo Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20040079822
    Abstract: A spool for a dual-bearing reel that allows accurate casting to be performed is provided. A spool includes a tubular bobbin trunk, and flange portions that project radially outward on both sides of the bobbin trunk. The flange portions include inner flange portions and outer flange portions. The inner flange portions are formed on both ends of the bobbin trunk, project radially outward, and are integrally formed with the bobbin trunk. The outer flange portions are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner flange portions, and radially project outward. The outer flange portions are outsert formed on the inner flange portions. The bobbin trunk is made from an aluminum alloy, and the outer flange portions are made from a magnesium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ken?apos;ichi Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20040069886
    Abstract: A fishing reel including a spool (5) for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool (5) about a winding axis, the spool (5) is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. In further embodiments a spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Maeder
  • Patent number: 6712300
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a quick-change spool system. A quick-change spool system includes one or more spools, each spool including a cavity in which there are one or more recesses. The system includes a spool base configured for detachably coupling with a spool support shaft of a fishing reel body, the spool base including a member configured for mating with the cavity of one of the spools. The system includes a retaining mechanism that includes one or more spring-loaded keys that are shaped such that the keys depress when the member of the spool base is being inserted into the cavity of one of the spools and, furthermore, extend to engage the recesses when the member of the spool is fully inserted into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Better Fishtrap, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Carlebach, Bryan Grziwok, Phil Halbert, Jennifer Michalek
  • Patent number: 6679445
    Abstract: Spool for a spinning reel for line-winding, fitted onto the fore end portion of a spool shaft that pumps back and forth with respect to a reel unit, is furnished with a bobbin trunk, a front flange and flange-fastening member. The bobbin trunk is fitted onto the fore end portion of the spool shaft. The front flange includes a first flange portion, which is formed integrally into a brim encompassing the fore end of the bobbin trunk, and a ring-shaped second flange portion fitted removably and reattachably onto the outer periphery of the first flange portion and made of a hard material. The flange-fastening member fastens the second flange portion onto the first flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Taisei Morise, Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6655622
    Abstract: Spinning-reel spool, which reciprocates back-and-forth with respect to reel unit, is furnished with bobbin trunk, inner barrel member, front flange, and skirt. Bobbin trunk, outer-circumferentially onto which fishing line is wound, is formed from sheet metal. Inner barrel member is installed on the inner circumferential side of bobbin trunk. Inner barrel member has a male-threaded portion on its rear end. Front flange is provided on bobbin trunk, and is coupled to inner barrel member via the male-threaded portion. Skirt is provided on the rear end of bobbin trunk. Skirt has a larger diameter than that of bobbin trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Yoshiyuki Furomoto
  • Publication number: 20030213862
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fixed spool fishing reel having a spool holder and a winding mechanism including a rotary bail arm, and a spool having a spool portion on which the line is wound with a skirt portion of larger diameter than the spool portion, the spool portion having, or the skirt portion having on its rim adjacent the spool portion, a pommel over which a loop of line from the spool can be trained to be retained thereon, when it is pulled axially at the end of a case, to check the cast but to be automatically released therefrom as a result of a pull on the line rotating the spool and/or the bail arm to alter the angular deviation of the line around the pommel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Perrin
  • Patent number: 6648258
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool for more conveniently for locking and unlocking the mid-part of fishing line is provided. The spinning-reel spool has a spool body and a large-diameter tubular skirt. The spool body includes on an outer circumference a tubular bobbin trunk onto which fishing line is wound. The larger-diameter tubular skirt is formed integrally with the bobbin trunk on its rear. A fishing-line lock is provided on the outer periphery of the skirt. The fishing-line lock locks fishing-line. The locked fishing line is released under tension acting over a line roller when the fishing line is reeled out. The fishing-line lock includes a lock portion provided outwardly exposed and facing out on the skirt outer periphery, and a mount portion that extends into the skirt interior. The lock portion is configured to be approximately hemispherical or tetra-spherical in contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Kouji Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6609671
    Abstract: A new spool design for fishing reels is disclosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Christian M. Heesch
  • 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: 20030146323
    Abstract: A fishing reel comprising a frame having forward and rearward ends and two sides to which is mounted a transversely orientated, revolvable cylindrical spool. The spool has a recessed channel of a substantially rectangular cross-section for holding a length of coiled fishing line. A line guide is mounted on said frame in a fixed position forward of the spool for directing and positioning the fishing line onto the spool channel. The line guide is positioned on the frame in alignment with the centerline of the spool channel, the center of the line guide being no lower than the mid-point of the spool channel and no higher than the rim of the spool channel. The reel includes a mechanism for controlling the rotation of the spool for dispensing fishing line on to and off of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: George C. Jeane
  • Patent number: 6601335
    Abstract: A fishing line retention device for use on a piece of fishing equipment is provided. The fishing line retention device comprises a hook member having a plurality of hooks on one side, a loop member having a plurality of loops on one side, and a mounting adhesive disposed on the hook member or the loop member. The loops cooperate with the hooks to removably attach the hook member to the loop member. The invention optionally includes visual indicia on either the loop or hook member to aid the angler with identification of a physical quality of the line retained in the device. Also included is a fishing line retention system kit consistent with the above system, and a fishing reel having a line retention device consistent with the above system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry L. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 6598819
    Abstract: A spool has drag mechanism disposed on the rear, spool body, cover member, first sealing member, and second sealing member. The spool body has tubular bobbin trunk portion, and front/rear flange portions provided on the front/rear of the bobbin trunk portion. The drag mechanism includes: drag-handling unit that screws onto the fore end of the spool shaft; and friction unit disposed so as to contact the rear face of the rear flange. The rearward movement of the first friction unit is restricted by spool shaft. Cover member is installed on spool body to cover first friction unit from rear. First sealing member is fitted in between cover member and rear flange portion. Second sealing member is fitted in between spool shaft and cover member. Spool can control fluctuations in drag force due to liquids that seep into drag mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Furomoto
  • Publication number: 20030136868
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a quick-change spool system. A quick-change spool system includes one or more spools, each spool including a cavity in which there are one or more recesses. The system includes a spool base configured for detachably coupling with a spool support shaft of a fishing reel body, the spool base including a member configured for mating with the cavity of one of the spools. The system includes a retaining mechanism that includes one or more spring-loaded keys that are shaped such that the keys depress when the member of the spool base is being inserted into the cavity of one of the spools and, furthermore, extend to engage the recesses when the member of the spool is fully inserted into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Adam Carlebach, Bryan Grziwok, Phil Halbert, Jennifer Michalek
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6585182
    Abstract: A hand held fishing reel with an outer reel assembly with a wound line that is releasable when the reel's plane is turned substantially perpendicular to the line and it is locked when its plane is aligned with the line. A ratchet mechanism permits a user to take in the line, when the plane of the reel is aligned with the line. An internal cylinder is rotatably mounted in the central space with an ergonometric grip and ratchet for cooperatively receiving a mating body to releasably holding the reel in place. The hand held fishing reel is releasably mounted to a fixed structure to free a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Israel Garcia
  • 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: 6572044
    Abstract: Spinning reel spool made lightweight overall, while maintaining the strength of its bobbin trunk and skirt. The spinning reel spool body (7) has a tubular bobbin trunk (7a), and a larger diameter skirt (7b) attached to the rear end of the bobbin trunk (7a). The bobbin trunk (7a) chiefly includes a bulkier bobbin portion (16) of synthetic polymer manufacture, and a base portion (17) formed unitarily with and on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin portion (16). The skirt (7b) is of an aluminum alloy manufacture, and is formed at lesser bulk by press-working a tubular portion (7c) and a rear flange portion (7d) unitarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Publication number: 20030057308
    Abstract: A control device for preventing the shaft of fishing reel from rotating includes a plate pivotally connected to the body of the reel and a hook is defined in an end of the plate. A shaft is connected to a spool portion of the reel and has a groove defined in an outer periphery of the shaft. The hook is disengagably engaged with the groove so as to prevent the shaft from being rotated when the release button is unintentionally touched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Chi Lu
  • Patent number: 6533203
    Abstract: A spinning reel spool made lightweight while maintaining the strength of the bobbin trunk. The spinning reel spool (4) includes a spool main section (7), a front flange section (8), and a front-flange fixing member (9). The spool main section (7) has a bobbin trunk (7a), a tubular skirt portion (7b) with a larger diameter that is formed unitarily with the rear end of the bobbin trunk (7a), and an inner barrel member (7c) made of a synthetic resin polymer, which is fitted to the inner circumference of the bobbin trunk (7a). The front flange section (8) has a larger diameter and is attached to the front end of the bobbin trunk (7a). The front-flange fixing member (9) fastens the front flange section (8) to the spool main section (7). The bobbin trunk (7a) and the skirt portion (7b) constitute dual larger-smaller stage tubular element that is formed unitarily by press-working a sheet of an aluminum alloy. The inner barrel member (7c) is made of a synthetic resin polymer and is fitted into the bobbin trunk (7a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hitomi, Koji Takikura, Yoshiyuki Furomoto
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020195511
    Abstract: A new spool design for fishing reels is disclosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Christian M. Heesch
  • Publication number: 20020170997
    Abstract: A spool has drag mechanism disposed on the rear, spool body, cover member, first sealing member, and second sealing member. The spool body has tubular bobbin trunk portion, and front/rear flange portions provided on the front/rear of the bobbin trunk portion. The drag mechanism includes: drag-handling unit that screws onto the fore end of the spool shaft; and friction unit disposed so as to contact the rear face of the rear flange. The rearward movement of the first friction unit is restricted by spool shaft. Cover member is installed on spool body to cover first friction unit from rear. First sealing member is fitted in between cover member and rear flange portion. Second sealing member is fitted in between spool shaft and cover member. Spool can control fluctuations in drag force due to liquids that seep into drag mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Furomoto
  • Publication number: 20020162910
    Abstract: Spinning reel spool made lightweight overall, while maintaining the strength of its bobbin trunk and skirt. The spinning reel spool body (7) has a tubular bobbin trunk (7a), and a larger diameter skirt (7b) attached to the rear end of the bobbin trunk (7a). The bobbin trunk (7a) chiefly includes a bulkier bobbin portion (16) of synthetic polymer manufacture, and a base portion (17) formed unitarily with and on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin portion (16). The skirt (7b) is of an aluminum alloy manufacture, and is formed at lesser bulk by press-working a tubular portion (7c) and a rear flange portion (7d) unitarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6467712
    Abstract: A fishing reel having a main spool for dispensing fishing line for casting during fishing. A second reserve spool, or bobbin, is provided for dispensing a reserve amount of fishing line to the main spool through a passage in the main spool. The main spool defines a cavity, and a portion of the reserve spool is carried substantially within such cavity. In one embodiment, the main and reserve spools rotate with one another, being locked together with a releasable locking device. In another embodiment, the relative motion between the main and reserve spools in controlled by a friction drag arrangement. In the event additional line is needed on the main spool, line can be drawn through the passage in the main spool from the reserve spool through relative rotation of the reserve spool with respect to the main spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Harry L. Cribb
  • Publication number: 20020117570
    Abstract: Spinning-reel spool, which reciprocates back-and-forth with respect to reel unit, is furnished with bobbin trunk, inner barrel member, front flange, and skirt. Bobbin trunk, outer-circumferentially onto which fishing line is wound, is formed from sheet metal. Inner barrel member is installed on the inner circumferential side of bobbin trunk. Inner barrel member has a male-threaded portion on its rear end. Front flange is provided on bobbin trunk, and is coupled to inner barrel member via the male-threaded portion. Skirt is provided on the rear end of bobbin trunk. Skirt has a larger diameter than that of bobbin trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Yoshiyuki Furomoto