The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 11, 2001
Filed:
Feb. 14, 2000
Noboru Sakaguchi, Kishiwada, JP;
Ong San Cheng, Singapore, SG;
Shimano, Inc., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
The present invention relates to a fishing reel that has a variable brake mechanism. The variable brake mechanism includes a plurality of small brake weights mounted on radially extending shafts. The brake weights are positioned within a brake race that is fixed to the fishing reel body. The brake weights are further configured to rotate about a spool shaft with the spool about which fishing line is wound. Upon rotation of the spool, the brake weights are urged radially outward due to centrifugal forces. The brake weights further formed with collars that extend through an opening in a cam collar. The openings in the cam collar define cam surfaces which, upon rotation of the cam collar with respect to the spool, urge the brake weights into and away from a position where the weights may contact the brake race. An adjuster dial accessible from the outer surface of the fishing reel body is configured to selectively engage the cam collar for rotation of the cam collar.