Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – Fishing rod reel
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-21
2001-10-09
Walsh, Donald P. (Department: 3653)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
Fishing rod reel
C242S245000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299086
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the art of fishing reels. More particularly, the invention relates to closed faced fishing reels commonly known as spincast reels.
Spincast fishing reels typically have a central body, or “reel frame,” to which front and rear covers are attached. The reel frame includes a spool hub supporting a line spool on which the fishing line is wound. A pickup head, mounted forward of the spool, winds the line around the spool when rotated by a crank handle. The front cover is configured to surround and cover both the line spool and the pickup head. The line exits through a central opening at the forward end of the front cover.
The line spool is normally stationary, but will rotate if a certain tension is placed on the fishing line. Thus, line may be payed out if a hooked fish places undue tension on the fishing line. The tension threshold at which the fishing line will be payed out is set by the reel's drag mechanism.
Currently, many drag systems for spincast reels produce drag on the spool utilizing a screw driven by a thumb wheel. The screw pushes a steel washer against a drag washer that lies below the spool. The force exerted by the screw causes a friction force between the drag washer and the spool, thus resulting in “drag” on the spool. The friction force can be varied by tightening or loosening the screw, which is accomplished by turning the thumb wheel in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Because the force is applied at only one location on the washer, however, the drag may tend to feel rough when line is pulled from the spool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art constructions and methods.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel fishing reel.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a novel construction for a fishing reel.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a fishing reel having a novel drag mechanism.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a fishing reel having a drag mechanism which produces a more uniform drag force than many drag systems of the prior art.
Some of these objects are achieved by a fishing reel comprising a reel frame including a spool support hub having a threaded portion. An axially movable drag nut is located on the threaded portion of the spool support hub. A normally nonrotatable line spool is also mounted on the spool support hub. The line spool is retained on the spool support hub between an axially fixed retaining element and the drag nut. Rotation of the drag nut effects axial movement thereof so as to vary the drag force imposed on the line spool. In some exemplary embodiments, the reel further includes a thumb wheel operatively connected to the drag nut such that rotation of the thumb wheel effects axial movement of the drag nut. Preferably, the drag nut in such embodiments will define gear teeth on an outer surface thereof. The thumb wheel may be operatively connected to the drag nut via a gear train arrangement. Such a gear train arrangement may include a first gear shaft extending through a generally circular frame wall of the reel frame. The first gear shaft may be configured having first and second gears located at each end thereof, with the second gear engaging the drag nut.
Often, the thumb wheel may have a generally cylindrical configuration defining gear teeth on an outer surface thereof. The first gear of the first gear shaft may engage the thumb wheel in such embodiments. Preferably, a portion of the thumb wheel will extend through a slot defined in the reel frame.
In other embodiments, the thumb wheel may be configured as a star-type thumb wheel located exterior to the reel's housing. Preferably, a gear element will be juxtaposed to the thumb wheel, engaging a third gear located at the end of a second gear shaft. A fourth gear, located at the opposite end of the second gear shaft, may engage the first gear of the gear train arrangement in such embodiments.
Embodiments are contemplated in which first and second drag washers are located on the spool support hub so as to engage respective side faces of the line spool. At least one spring washer may also be located on the spool support hub in such embodiments. The spring washer will be compressed as the drag force is increased.
Other objects of the present invention are achieved by a fishing reel comprising a reel frame including a spool support hub. A normally nonrotatable line spool is mounted on the spool support hub. A pickup head, axially and rotatably movable with respect to the line spool, is also provided. A drag nut, located on the spool support hub, defines gear teeth on an outer surface thereof.
The reel further includes a thumb wheel operatively connected to the drag nut. Rotation of the thumb wheel effects axial movement of the drag nut, thereby varying the drag force imposed on the line spool. A closed-face cover is connected to the reel frame to enclose the line spool and the pickup head. The cover includes a forward opening therein through which fishing line extends.
Still further objects of the present invention are achieved by a fishing reel comprising a reel frame including a spool support hub. A normally nonrotatable line spool is mounted on the spool support hub. A pickup head, axially and rotatably movable with respect to the line spool, is also provided. A crank handle is operatively associated with the pickup head such that rotation of the crank handle causes rotation of the pickup head. A drag nut, located on the spool support hub, rotates to effect axial movement thereof. Rotation of the drag nut results in a variation of the drag force imposed on the line spool.
In this case, the reel further comprises a closed-face cover connected to the reel frame to enclose the line spool and the pickup head. This cover includes a forward opening therein through which fishing line extends. A rear cover is also connected to the reel frame, and has a pivotable thumb button mounted thereon which is actuatable to allow casting of the fishing line.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3381914 (1968-05-01), Taggart
patent: 3488015 (1970-01-01), Taggart
patent: 4378914 (1983-04-01), Shackelford et al.
patent: 4402469 (1983-09-01), Stiner
patent: 4474341 (1984-10-01), Shackelford et al.
patent: 5904309 (1999-05-01), Takeuchi
patent: 5918827 (1999-07-01), Pulliam
patent: 5947400 (1999-09-01), Tsutsumi
patent: 5950947 (1999-09-01), Kirby
Gibson Stephen E.
Li Chi Shing
Jones David A
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
Shakepeare Company
Walsh Donald P.
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