Abstract:
A rod-free fishing reel is described that includes a rod-free spool assembly for holding fishing line and a winding mechanism. The winding mechanism re-spools that fishing line after it is pulled in by the fisherman. The present invention is particularly suited for rodless fishing such as ice fishing with rattle reels. The winding mechanism includes a spring to provide a rotary force that is sufficient to reel in a fishing line but not reel in a fish. Moreover, the rotary force will not interfere with the fisherman gripping the line and controlling setting the hook or reeling in the line hand over hand directly on the line intermediate the spool and the fishing hole. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism has a plurality of positions. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism includes a pawl and the spool includes a ratchet.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) and any other benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/743,007, filed Dec. 2, 2005, titled “RE-SPOOLING FISHING REEL”, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a fishing reel, and, more particularly, to a rod-free-type reel or a rattle reel.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     In certain fishing environments, the fisherman uses a fishing set up that does not include a rod or a handle attached directly to the spool. Such handles are used to spin the spool to reel in the line and land a fish. In some fishing environments, such as ice fishing, the fisherman uses a rod free set up and pulls the line in hand over hand directly on the fishing line. The fisherman grips the line intermediate the fishing hole and the spool. The fisherman pulls in the line and the line piles on the ice, shanty floor, or ground. A pile of loose fishing line is generally not desirable as evidenced by the use of spools to hold fishing line. A pile of loose line may tangle and not be easily recoverable for later use. As a result, a fisherman may not be able to quickly get the line back in the water. Lost opportunities to catch fish may result from tangled line. Loose fishing line may further represent a danger to an inattentive fisherman. During the excitement of landing a fish or the disappointment of the one that got away, a fisherman may not have re-spooled the line. While uncommon, a fisherman may be entangled in or trip over the loose line. Many times a fisherman may be alone and if he falls he may be hurt. Moreover, the fisherman may be hooked as a result of a tangled line, for example, when attempting to untangle or re-spool the line. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a structure and method for re-spooling line while not interfering with a line in hand or hand over hand fishing experience.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     In an aspect, a fishing reel includes a spool for holding fishing line and a winding mechanism. The winding mechanism is selectably actuable to rotate the spool to re-spool the line. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism has a first position engaged with the spool for rotating the spool to re-spool loose fishing line, and a second position not engaged with the spool. In the second position, the winding mechanism has potential force, stores or is loaded with a force sufficient to rotate the spool. In an embodiment, the force is sufficient to wind the line onto the spool but insufficient to reel in a fish. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism includes a pawl to selectively engage the spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a ratchet to receive the pawl. Accordingly, the winding mechanism can rotate in a first direction relative to the spool. The winding mechanism when rotating in another direction engages the spool causing it to rotate with the winding mechanism. The pawl can be mounted to a housing. Winding mechanism includes a motive force structure to rotate the spool assembly. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism rotates with the spool assembly in the second position. In an embodiment, the motive force structure can be a coil spring. In an embodiment, the motive force structure can be a motor, e.g., an electric motor.  
         [0005]     In an aspect, a rodless fishing reel system includes a support, an axle connected to the support, a spool on the axle, and a winding mechanism. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism is on the axle. The winding mechanism is selectably actuatable to rotate the spool. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism is rotatable relative to the axle and longitudinally movable along the axle. The winding mechanism has a rotatable position on the axle and is free from the spool. The winding mechanism has fixed, non-rotatable position on the axle. The winding mechanism has a further spool engaged position whereat the winding mechanism rotates the spool to re-spool the line.  
         [0006]     The winding mechanism may include a motive force structure that is loadable in the rotatable position, stores force in the fixed position, and transmits force to the spool in the engaged position. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism includes a housing and a spring that has a first end fixed to the axle and a second end fixed to the housing. The spring may be a torsion spring.  
         [0007]     In an embodiment, the axle includes a key that engages the housing to prevent rotation of the winding mechanism on the axle. In an embodiment. the spool and housing includes a pawl and ratchet combination. In an embodiment, the axle includes a fastener that holds the spool at a fixed longitudinal position. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism includes a motor to selectively rotate the spool. In an embodiment, the fishing reel system stores fishing line and supplies fishing line to a fishing hole free of other line holding devices. The support includes an attachment to at least one of a shanty, a tripod, and a ground/ice contacting base. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a fishing reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view of a fishing reel in a first use position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a view of a fishing reel in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a view of a fishing reel in a third use position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a view of a fishing reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a fishing reel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Different instances of the word “embodiment” as used within the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but they may. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.  
         [0015]     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It is understood, however, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention.  
         [0016]     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a representation of a fishing reel assembly  100  that includes a support  101 , an axle  110  connected to the support  101 , a spool  120  rotatably mounted on the axle  110 , a fastener  130  holding the spool  120  on the axle  110 , and a winding mechanism  140  mounted on the axle  110 . The fishing reel assembly  100  is adapted for use without a casting rod. The assembly is used for fishing where the fisherman lands the fish by gripping the line directly. The assembly is particularly suited for ice fishing or other similar fishing techniques.  
         [0018]     The support  101  includes a bracket that has a base plate  102  and an axle-support plate  103 . Base plate  102  is mountable to a further part of the support, such as a tripod, a shanty, or other structure that positions the assembly  100  adjacent a fishing location. When used for ice fishing, the support  101  is positioned adjacent a hole in the ice. The base plate  102  is removably mountable, for example by fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nails, etc. in an embodiment. In a further embodiment, base plate  102  is fixed to a further structure, such as by welding, adhesives, pop rivets, etc. Other types of fasteners are within the scope of the present invention. The axle-support plate  103  extends outwardly from base plate  102 . While described as plates, support elements  102  and  103  may include other types of support structures sufficient to support the other elements of the present invention.  
         [0019]     Axle  110  is an elongate shaft having a support engaging end  111  that is fixed to support  101 , for example, on plate  103 . A first axle portion  112  adjacent end  111  is essentially smooth and rotatably supports spool  120 . A fastener engaging, axle portion  113  is positioned adjacent portion  112  and remote from end  111 . The fastener engaging, axle portion  113  receives a fastener  130  to hold the spool  120  on the portion  112 . That is fastener  130  and portion  113  operate to longitudinally fix the spool  120  on the axle  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the portion  113  is threaded and the fastener  130  is a nut adapted to engage the threads. In a further embodiment, the spool supporting portion  112  has a reduced diameter relative to the fastener engaging portion  113 . The fastener  130  can then slide along the axle beginning at end  111  and then be fixed to the portion  113 . In a further embodiment, the axle  110  has a radially outwardly extension at axle portion  113  adjacent spool support, axle portion  112 . This radial extension slidably contacts an outward face of the spool  120  to hold the spool on the axle. In an embodiment, end  111  includes a threaded portion that engages the support  101  and can be held in place with a nut. At the other end  114  of the axle  110 , a key  115  extends radially outwardly. A further substantially smooth portion  116  is intermediate the fastener receiving portion and the key  115 . Portion  116  supports the winding mechanism  140  in a longitudinally, relative to the axle  110 , slidable manner. End  114  may further include a stop that prevents the winding mechanism  140  from being removed from the axle  110 .  
         [0020]     Spool  120  has a center core  122  that is cylindrical and is adapted to receive a winding of fishing line  150 . Spool core  122  has a central journal bearing  123  therein. Journal bearing  123  receives portion  112  of the axle  110 . Journal bearing  123  rotates on the axle portion  112  and allows the spool  120  to rotates in either direction (indicated by arrow  121 ) on axle portion  112 . First and second spool ends  124 ,  125  are fixed to the core  122 . Ends  124 ,  125 , together with outer surface of the core  122  define a line receiving recess. Spool end  124  is positioned adjacent the support  101 . In an embodiment, the spool end  124  has a disk shape with flat faces, which may slide on the plate  103 . Spool end  125  includes a smooth surface facing inwardly into the line receiving recess and a latching mechanism  128 . Latching mechanism  128  is operable to selectively latch the winding mechanism  140  to the spool  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch mechanism  128  includes a hub  129  fixed to spool core  122 . Spokes  131  extend radially outwardly from the hub  129  to a outer wheel  133 . A plurality of sidewardly open recesses  135  are defined by the hub  129 , spokes  131  and wheel  133 . The recesses  135  are open toward the winding mechanism  140  and remote from the line receiving recess. An inclined surface  137  is positioned in each recess  135 . Surface  137  ends at and is essentially flush with a outward surface of one of the spokes  135  defining the recess in which the inclined surface is positioned. In an embodiment, the inclined surface  137  has its most recessed end adjacent a spoke  131  whereat the adjacent inclined surface  137  ends at the top of the spoke  131 . The latching mechanism  128  thusly defines a ratchet to be engaged by a pawl defined by the winding mechanism as will be described in greater detail herein. The latching mechanism may further include opposed inclined surfaces that engage each other to hold the winding mechanism  140  and spool  120  together. For example, the surface  135  may be inclined outwardly and the engaging surface  149  of pawl  147  may matingly decline to hold the pawl on the spoke  131 . In an embodiment, a ball and detent assembly is provided to hold the winding mechanism to the spool. In an embodiment, the latching mechanism  128  is a roller ratchet with the winding mechanism  140  acting on the driver and the spool end  125  being the follower.  
         [0021]     Winding mechanism  140  includes a housing  142  through which extends a keyhole  144 . Keyhole  144  operates as a journal bearing for the axle  110  such that the housing  142  is selectively rotatable and longitudinally slidable on the axle  110 . Keyhole  144  further is shaped to selectively receive the key  115 . When the key  115  is in keyhole  144 , the winding mechanism  140  is not rotatable relative to the axle  110 . A handle  145  extends outwardly and in parallel with the axle  110  from a side of housing  142  remote from the spool  120  and support  101 . Handle  145  is engagable by a person to rotate the winding mechanism  140  on the axle  110 . On the side of the housing facing the spool  120  is a protuberance or pawl  147 . Pawl  147  is aligned with the recesses  135  in the spool end  125 . Pawl  147  is selectively engagable in a recess  145 . It will be recognized that a plurality of pawls  147  could be used with each aligned and engagable in a recess  135 . Pawl  147  has an inclined face  148 , which extends at a radius from the axle, and a face  149 , which extends in the longitudinal direction of the axle. Face  149  is essentially flat in an embodiment. Face  149  contact the spoke  131  when the winding mechanism  140  is engaged with the spool  120 . Inclined face  148  matches the incline surface  137  of the recesses  135  such that when the winding mechanism rotates in a line non-winding direction that inclined surface and face  137  and  148  allow the winding mechanism to rotate relative to the spool in that direction. When latched together, the winding mechanism  140  and spool  120  must rotate together in the line winding direction, which is opposite the non-winding direction.  
         [0022]     Winding mechanism  140  further includes a motive force structure  160  adapted to rotate the spool  120 . The motive force structure  160  can be a spring connected between the fixed axle  110  and the housing of the winding mechanism  140 . In an embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring. In an embodiment, the spring is formed from a polymer to provide corrosion resistance and quiet operation. In an embodiment, the spring is formed from a metal such as stainless steel. The spring has its radially inward end  161  fixed to the axle  110  and radially outward end  162  fixed to the housing winding mechanism  140 . The spring allows the winding mechanism  140  to move longitudinally on the axle  110 , while maintaining its fixed ends on the axle and housing. In a further embodiment, the motive force structure  160  is a selectively actuated motor. The motor can be battery powered as a minor amount of power is needed to wind the fishing line  150  onto the spool  120 . In an embodiment, the batteries are rated AA or AAA, LR3 in power. The motor may be powered by 1.5 volts or multiples thereof. The motive force structure  160  provides sufficient force to wind fishing line  150  onto spool  120  when the winding mechanism is in a winding position. However, the force is not sufficient to reel in a fish on its own. In an embodiment, the force is not sufficient to assist the fisherman in reeling in the fish. For example, the force applied by structure  160  is on the order of tenths of pounds. The force applied by structure  160  is up to about one pound. Accordingly, the fisherman must manually reel in or land the fish while the structure  160  winds the slacked fishing line only.  
         [0023]     The winding mechanism  140  has at least three positions relative to the remainder of the assembly  100 , i.e., spool  120  and axle  110 . The first position is shown in  FIG. 2  with the winding mechanism being rotatable relative to both the axle  110  and the spool  120 . The second position is shown in  FIG. 3  with the winding mechanism  140  fixed relative to the axle  110 . Hence, the winding mechanism can not rotate about the axle. In the first and second positions, the spool  120  is freely rotatable on axle  110  and free from contact with the winding mechanism  140 . The third position is shown in  FIG. 4  with the winding mechanism  140  engaged to the spool  120  to automatically rotate spool  120  to wind the fishing line as will be explained in greater detail herein.  
         [0024]     In operation, the fishing assembly  100  with fishing line  150  is positioned at a fishing location, such as a hole in the ice for ice fishing. The fisherman rotates the spool  120  to play out the line  150 . Spool  120  is rotated counterclockwise as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 2  shows the first, loading position of the winding mechanism  140 . As shown the pawl  147  is free from the ratchet structure  128 . Thus, the winding mechanism  140  freely rotates relative to the spool  120 . The shape of the pawl  147  and recess  135  further allow the winding mechanism  140  to rotate even if the pawl contacts the recess in one direction indicated by arrow  200 . The winding mechanism  140  is loaded by rotating it in the counterclockwise direction as shown by arrow  200 . The fisherman may rotate the winding mechanism by engaging handle  145 . This may occur after the line is set. Rotating the winding mechanism  140  loads the spring-type motive force structure  160 . That is, tension is placed on the spring  160 . When tensioned the winding mechanism  140  is moved longitudinally on axle  110  toward axle end  114  to the second, storage position as shown in  FIG. 3 . The winding mechanism  140  moves in the direction shown by arrow  300  when moving from the first, winding position to the storage position. The key  115  is set in the keyhole  144  to prevent the winding mechanism  140  from rotating. The winding mechanism  140  is now stores the energy of the spring as it can not rotate on the axle  110 .  
         [0025]     When it is desired to reel in the line  150 , the fisherman grips the line  150  intermediate the fishing location and the spool  120  and pulls the line in by hand. There is no handle fixed to the spool in an example. In the past, the line would pile on the ground, floor or ice as it is pulled in. After the line is pulled in, the fisherman would spin the spool  120  to return the line on spool  120 . The assembly as described herein, provides a motive force that automatically spins the spool  120  to return the line  150  to the spool  120 . The winding mechanism  140 , which in the spring-type embodiment, is in the storage position. When the line is being pulled in by the fisherman, the winding mechanism  140  is moved to the third, winding position as shown in  FIG. 4  in the direction shown by arrow  400 . The pawl  147  is fixed against the spoke  131 . The force of the structure  160  urges the spool  120  to rotate in the direction of arrow  401 . In the spring embodiment, the tensioned spring has a first end fixed to the non-rotating axle  110  and a second end fixed to the rotatable housing  142 . The housing  142  translates the force of the spring to the pawl  147 . The pawl transmits the force to the spoke  131  and, hence, to the spool  120 . The line is pulled upwardly in direction  402  as the fisherman pulls the line from the water. The force of the structure  160  is sufficient to wind fishing line  150  onto the spool  120 . The force of the structure is not sufficient to land a fish.  
         [0026]     In an embodiment of the present invention, the winding mechanism  140  operates similar to an automated window shade. Specifically, winding mechanism  140  holds in place when not activated and rotates the spool  120  under power of a spring, i.e., not under manual power, when activated. Examples of such structures can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,302; 6,666,252; 6,155,328; 5,697,122; 4,513,805; 4,172,563; 3,285,089; 219,747, each of which is incorporated by reference for any purpose. In operation, the winding mechanism is activated by pulling the line  150  to rotate the spool  120  a fraction of a turn whereat the spool  120  is released to rotate and is rotated by a motive force structure  160 , such as a spring.  
         [0027]     An embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 5 . Winding mechanism  140  includes an engagement groove  501  recessed into the outer circumference of the housing  142 . A line or chain  503  is received in the groove  501 . A first weight  505  is positioned at one end of the line  503 . A second weight  509  is positioned at the other end of the line  503 . The first weight  505  has a greater weight than the second weight  507 . In an embodiment, the housing  142  is fixed against rotational movement by engaging key  115  as described above. In a further embodiment, the housing is always engaged with the spool  120 . The first weight is supported by a support arm  515  that is fixed to the support  101 . A weight placement or holder  517  holds the first weight  505  adjacent the housing and spool above the ground. In an embodiment, the placement  517  is laterally offset from the plumb line of the chain  503 . The first weight  505  will provide the motive force to turn the spool and rewind the fishing line  150 . When the first weight is positioned on the placement  517 , there is no motive force to turn the housing and spool. In this embodiment, spring  160  is provided to act as a brake to retard the rotational motion of the spool. In a further embodiment, the spring  160  is absent. In operation, the fisherman engages the winding mechanism to the spool. The fisherman then removes the first weight  505  from the holder  517 . In an embodiment, the fisherman engages the fishing line  150  with the winding mechanism engaged to the spool causes the winding mechanism and spool to turn counter clockwise with reference to  FIG. 5 . This causes the first weight  505  to fall off the placement  517 . The first weight  505  will swing toward the winding mechanism  140  if the placement is positioned outwardly from the plumb line of the line  503 . If the placement is positioned inwardly of the plumb of line  503 , then the first weight will swing outwardly. In either case the first weight  505  will be free to fall and provide motive force to rotate the spool and rewind the fishing line. The first weight  505  starts to fall to the ground in the direction of arrow  525  away from the housing  142 . The second weight  507  moves upwardly toward the housing  142  (arrow  527 ) and opposes the force imparted on the housing by the first weight. The first weight continues to fall and rotates the housing  142  and the spool  120  in the direction of arrow  401 . The weight of each of the weights  505  and  507  are chosen to impart a force great enough to turn the spool and rewind the fishing line  150  but not enough to land a fish that is hooked on line  150 . In a further embodiment, the housing has reduction gears so that the spool  120  will turn faster than the housing  142 . This allows the spool to wind more fishing line than the weight  505  travels. In an embodiment, the gears are helical gears to reduce the noise.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a further embodiment of the present invention and includes an assembly  600 , which is similar to the assembly  100  as described herein. An electric motor  601  is fixed to support  101 . The electric motor may be supplied with electrical power such as an AC or DC power source. The DC power source may be batteries as described herein or know in the electrical motor industry. The AC power source may be power supplied by a utility company such as a 50 or 60 Hz. Signal. An axle  602  is fixed to the motor  601 . In an embodiment, the axle  602  is fixed to a rotor of the motor  601 . The spool  120  with line  150  is fixed on the axle  602  for rotation by the motor. The spool may be fixed such that is freely rotates to play out the line  150  but is driven by the motor  601  to rotate and reel in slacked line  150 . In the illustrated example, axle  602  includes a stop  606  adjacent the motor  601 . Spool  120  slides onto the axles and is prevented from contacting the motor by the stop  606 . A fastener  604  engages the axle  602  remote the motor and stop on another side of the spool  120  to hold the spool on the axle. In an example, the fastener is a nut and the axle includes threads to be engaged by the nut. Other fasteners such as kotter keys are contemplated. A control  650  is provided in communication with the motor  601 . In an example, the control  650  communicates with motor  601  via a wire. In an example, the control  650  wirelessly communicates with motor  601 . Control  650  selectively actuates motor  650  to rotate spool  120  to wind the line. The motor  650  can be battery powered as a relatively low amount of power is needed to wind the fishing line  150  onto the spool  120 . In an embodiment, the batteries are rated AA or AAA, LR3 in power. The batteries can be loaded into control  650 . In this example, a power signal is transmitted from control  650  through a wire to the motor  601 . The motor may be powered by 1.5 volts or multiples thereof. The motor  601  provides sufficient force to wind fishing line  150  onto spool  120  when the winding mechanism is in a winding position. However, the force is not sufficient to reel in a fish. The fisherman supplies the force for reeling in a fish. For example, the force applied by motor  601  is on the order of tenths of pounds. The force applied by structure  601  is up to about one pound. Accordingly, the fisherman must manually reel in or land the fish while the structure  601  winds the slacked fishing line only.  
         [0029]     The present assembly  100  may further include an indicator that notifies a fisherman that a fish may be on the line  150 . Indicators include noise making devices and visual indicators. Noise making devices include rattles in the spool  120  or other noise making devices. Visual indicators include pop up flags or lights as known in the art. Examples of indicators can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,938,367; 6,935,068; 5,771,624; 5,101,591; and 5,040,323; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for any purpose. These indicators are useable with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0030]     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.  
         [0031]     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.