Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – Fishing rod reel
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-14
2001-12-11
Matecki, Katherine A. (Department: 3653)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
Fishing rod reel
C188S185000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328240
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cam adjusting mechanism for use in a brake mechanism of a fishing reel.
B. Description of the Related Art
Brake mechanisms in a fishing reel are known. Such systems are for the purpose of preventing a reel from rotating at too fast a rate when casting out a fishing line. For instance, one such system is known as a Variable Brake System™ manufactured by Shimano Inc. The system includes a reel housing and a brake race fixed to the reel housing. A spool disposed within the reel housing has a brake member fixed thereto such that spool and the brake member rotate together. The brake member is formed with a plurality of retaining portions. A plurality of brake weights are fitted into the retaining portions, one brake weight per retaining portion. The brake weights are forced radially outward and into contact with the brake race in response to rotation of the spool and brake member. As the spool rotates faster, the force exerted on the brake weights increases.
In the above described system, the reel housing is provided with a removable cover which exposes the brake member and brake weights. With the cover removed, the brake weights are exposed and can be moved back and forth within the corresponding retaining portion. In a radially outward position, the brake weights are positioned for engagement with the brake race. In a radially inward position, the brake weight cannot engage the brake race. In this manner, the braking force in the reel can be adjusted.
However, the above described system requires some dis-assembly in order to adjust the braking force provided by the brake weights. A fisherman may want to change the braking force in the reel several times in a single fishing session. Removing and installing the cover and positioning the brake weights can therefore be a burden.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a fishing reel having a Variable Brake System™ with a simpler means of adjusting the braking force provided by braking weights.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a fishing reel includes an adjusting mechanism for a brake mechanism. The fishing reel further includes a reel body and a spool supported in the reel body for rotation with respect thereto. The brake mechanism is connected to the spool and includes a plurality of brake weights, each of the brake weights formed with a protrusion. A cam collar is formed with at least one convoluted groove, the convoluted groove defining cam surfaces. The protrusion on each of the brake weights extends into the convoluted groove such that in response to rotation of the cam collar with respect to the spool the brake weight is adjusted to one of two radial positions with respect to a central axis about which the spool rotates. A dial is configured for selective engagement with the cam collar and extends out of an opening in the side of the reel body.
The above aspect of the present invention provides a simple way to adjust the position of the brake weights. In particular, adjustment of the position of the brake weights can be effected without dis-assembly of the fishing reel.
Preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a brake shaft holder having a plurality of radially extending shafts. The brake weights are disposed on respective ones of the shafts.
Preferably, a brake race fixed to the reel body proximate the spool and the brake weights are configured for engagement with an inner radial surface of the brake race in response to centrifugal force.
Preferably, the dial is formed with a plurality of protrusions and the reel body is formed with one aperture on a side surface thereof adjacent to the opening through which the dial extends. The dial is configured such that any one of the plurality of protrusions is extendable into the aperture in response to positioning one of the plurality of protrusions adjacent to the aperture.
Preferably, the dial is spring biased into engagement with a side portion of the reel body.
Preferably, the dial is formed with two protrusions having gear teeth formed on a distal end thereof and the protrusions are engagable with gear teeth formed on the cam collar.
Preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a brake shaft holder having a plurality of radially extending shafts and the brake weights are disposed on respective ones of the shafts. The brake shaft holder is also formed with a plurality of axially extending lips that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The cam collar is disposed within the axially extending lips and the cam collar is formed with a plurality of radially extending protrusions which contact and engage the lips at least partially restraining relative rotation between the cam collar and the brake shaft holder.
Preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a brake shaft holder having a plurality of radially extending shafts. The brake weights are disposed on respective ones of the shafts. The brake shaft holder is further formed with a central opening having a plurality of recesses that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The cam collar is located adjacent to the brake shaft holder and is formed with at least one tab that is engaged with one of the recesses in order to releasably retain the cam collar in position with respect to the brake shaft holder.
As well, it preferably to have a locking member disposed adjacent to the dial. The locking member is formed with gear teeth that are engagable with corresponding gear teeth on the brake shaft holder such that with the locking member engaged with the brake shaft holder, the brake shaft holder and the spool are restrained against rotation.
Preferably, the brake mechanism includes six brake weights and the convoluted groove is configured to adjust one brake weight at a time from an engagement position to a retracted position in response to rotation of the cam collar with respect to the spool.
Alternatively, the brake mechanism includes six brake weights and the convoluted groove is configured to adjust two brake weight synchronously at a time from an engagement position to a retracted position in response to rotation of the cam collar with respect to the spool.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5749534 (1998-05-01), Morimoto
patent: 5803385 (1998-08-01), Baisch
patent: 5950949 (1999-09-01), Cockerham
patent: 5984221 (1999-11-01), Kim
patent: 6003798 (1999-12-01), Kim
patent: 6206311 (2001-03-01), Kim et al.
Cheng Ong San
Sakaguchi Noboru
Matecki Katherine A.
Shimano Inc.
Shinjyu Global IP Counselors, LLP
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