Fishing reel drag mechanism
US6116531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K89/0275
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fishing reel drag mechanism includes a spool for a fishing line, a brake drum attached coaxially to the spool, and a resilient circular brake shoe positioned inside the brake drum. The outer diameter of the brake shoe is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the brake drum. A gap is provided on the brake shoe, and a movable spreader is positioned in the gap. When the spreader is moved to a first position, the brake shoe is in a relaxed position spaced from the brake drum, so that the spool may rotate with zero drag. When the spreader is gradually moved to a second position, the gap is gradually expanded by the spreader, and the brake shoe is gradually expanded against the brake drum. The drag on the brake drum is thus adjusted by changing the width of the gap with the spreader. Grooves arranged concentrically around the brake shoe provide additional compliance which improves smoothness in drag application and the range of drag force provided. A pawl may be selectively moved into engagement with ratchet teeth around the spool to positively lock the spool in position when desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.