Abstract:
A fishing reel includes a spool disk, a handle disk mounted coaxially and in juxtaposition with the spool disk, a winding handle or crank affixed to the handle disk, and a brake mechanism, including an actuator incorporated in the handle, for applying a drag braking torque between the spool disk and the handle disk. The braking torque is controllable by a user by squeezing the handle while holding the handle for cranking. Accordingly, the user does not have to let go of the winding handle in order to apply or vary the drag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Specific reference is hereby made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/460,869, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 7, 2003 in the name of Roger Ritter, the inventor in the present application, and entitled FISHING REEL, and whereof the benefit of priority is hereby claimed and whereof the disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
   The present invention relates to fly reels for fishing and, more specifically, to fly reels of the kind having a rotatable line spool equipped with a brake or drag mechanism. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Brakes of the kind such as may be used in conjunction with fly reels for fishing typically utilize a preset adjustment to predetermine the braking or drag force before a fish is hooked on the line. 
   In the sense used herein, a leader/tippet is a “see-through” or transparent or translucent portion of fishing line that is coupled between the standard fly-fishing line and the lure, typically an artificial fly. Such a line, or leader/tippet, is typically relatively fine and is usually the weakest link in the system, exhibiting the lowest ultimate tensile strength in the fishing line. Generally, when a hooked fish is lost, it is because the tippet has broken. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In prior art fishing reels, the drag is typically preset before hooking a fish. Presetting is typically by way of a knob. It is herein recognized that the preset drag may be too little when the fish makes a long run, pulling out too much line, and the user loses control of the fish and runs out of line and finally the leader/tippet breaks. In such situations, it is usual for the user of such a reel to increase drag force by palming the spool rim or reaching around the reel for the adjusting knob. Adjusting the main drag during active operations is awkward and often not precise. 
   On the other hand, presetting the drag to a level that is too heavy typically causes the leader/tippet to break immediately after the fish is hooked. 
   Accordingly, it is virtually not possible in practice to preset the drag force ideally in advance, because the ideal drag force also depends on the size of fish caught. 
   It is herein recognized that it is desirable for a fishing reel user, typically a fisherman, to be able to adjust the drag quickly and conveniently, in accordance with the needs of a particular situation. It is also herein recognized that the procedure for adjusting the drag should be convenient and practical for the user and preferably should cause little interference with other functions in the user&#39;s manipulation of the fishing reel as may be required for operations incident to fishing. It is also herein recognized that it is desirable that a user should be able to maintain hold of the reel handle when a fish is on the line, without having to let go to perform brake adjustments. It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient and effective means for controlling and adjusting the drag force. 
   In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, fishing apparatus includes an integrated drag force adjusting mechanism inside the crank handle giving a user the possibility to apply the ideal drag force by squeezing the crank handle. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a crank handle for winding the reel and a drag force adjusting mechanism integrated into the crank handle, the mechanism being responsive to the crank handle being squeezed for applying a user-selectable drag force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a crank handle for cranking the reel and a drag force adjusting mechanism in the crank handle, the mechanism being responsive to the crank handle being squeezed with a given pressure for controlling the drag force to a value determined by the given pressure. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a dual-purpose crank handle for cranking the reel, the crank handle comprising a drag force adjusting mechanism, the mechanism being responsive to the crank handle being squeezed with a given pressure for controlling the drag force to a value determined by the given pressure. 
   In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a fishing reel includes a brake mechanism wherein braking torque is controllable by pressure on a handle which is also usable for cranking the reel. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a fishing reel includes a spool disk and a handle disk mounted coaxially therewith; and a brake mechanism for applying a braking torque between the spool disk and the handle disk, wherein at least a portion of the braking torque is controllable by a user by applying pressure or releasing pressure on a handle which is also used for cranking the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool, including a spool disk; a handle disk mounted coaxially with the spool disk in juxtaposition thereto; a handle affixed to the handle disk; and a brake mechanism, including an actuator incorporated in the handle, for applying a braking torque between the spool disk and the handle disk, the braking torque being controllable by a user by squeezing the handle while holding the handle for cranking. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool for winding a fishing line; a handle disk having a winding handle thereon; a brake for applying a drag braking force between the spool and the handle disk; the handle comprising a brake button system for applying the brake. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention the brake button system is responsive to finger pressure for application of the brake in approximate proportion to the force of the finger pressure. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention the brake button system comprises at least a first brake button and a cam apparatus coupled to the first brake button and further coupled to the brake. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the brake comprises a brake pad for bearing against a surface portion of the spool for applying a friction braking force thereto; the cam apparatus comprises a conical or tapered washer coupled between the brake button and the brake pad such that finger pressure applied to the brake button causes the washer to exert a force against the pad so as to increase the friction braking force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the brake button system comprises first and second brake buttons; the brake comprises first and second brake pads for bearing against the surface portion of the spool for applying a friction braking force thereto; the cam apparatus comprises a conical or tapered washer coupled between (a) the first and second brake buttons and (b) the first and second brake pads, such that finger pressure applied to the first and second brake buttons tending to squeeze them together causes the conical washer to exert a force against the pads so as to increase the friction braking force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool for winding a fishing line, including a spool disk; a handle disk having a winding handle thereon; a brake for applying a drag braking force between the spool and the handle disk; the handle comprising a pressure sensitive brake actuating mechanism responsive to finger pressure on the handle for actuating the brake. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the winding handle comprises a button mechanism and at least one captive brake pad arranged such that, when a user squeezes the handle, the button mechanism acts to cause application of the brake by urging the at least one captive brake pad into contact with the spool disk, thereby generating a frictional torque between the spool disk and the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the button mechanism operates by applying an inclined surface to produce a force on the at least one captive brake pad. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the button comprises two halves of a hollow cylindrical body arranged such that when the two halves are pressed together by a user, a tapered washer at each end of the two halves operates as an inclined surface to tend to slide out axially and exert a force against a constraint on one side, and to exert a force against the at least one captive brake pad, respectively. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the button comprises two halves of a hollow cylindrical body arranged such that when the two halves are pressed together by a user, a tapered washer at each end of the two halves operates as an inclined surface to tend to slide out axially and exert a force against a constraint of the winding handle on one side, and to exert a force against the at least one captive brake pad on the other side, respectively. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool for winding a fishing line; a handle disk having a winding handle thereon; a brake for applying a drag braking force between the spool and the handle disk; the winding handle including an actuating mechanism for the brake, the mechanism being adapted to respond to finger pressure of a user&#39;s fingers squeezing the winding handle while holding the winding handle normally for winding the reel so as to apply the brake as a function of the finger pressure so that the user&#39;s fingers do not have to leave the winding handle to operate the brake. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool, including a spool disk; a handle disk mounted concentrically juxtaposed to the spool disk; a brake mounted on the handle disk for applying a braking force between the spool disk and the handle disk; a dual purpose reel handle mounted on the spool disk, the reel handle comprising a finger grip portion adapted for being grasped by a user&#39;s fingers for winding the reel; and the reel handle comprising a brake actuator coupled between the finger grip portion and the brake, such that squeezing the finger grip portion by the user&#39;s fingers causes the actuator to apply the brake in accordance with the pressure. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool adapted for rotatably mounting on an axle and coupled to a spool disk for rotation therewith; a handle disk rotatably mounted concentrically with and in juxtaposition to the spool disk; a drag brake pad arrangement mounted on the handle disk and bearing against the spool disk with a controllable braking force for providing braking between the spool disk and the handle disk; a handle, comprising a generally cylindrical hollow handle housing rotatably mounted on the handle, the handle housing exhibiting an opening in a cylindrical wall thereof; and a brake actuating mechanism disposed in the handle housing and being coupled to the drag brake pad arrangement for controlling the braking force, the mechanism comprising a brake button accessible to a user&#39;s fingers through the opening while gripping the handle for cranking the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mechanism comprises: a cam element, exhibiting an inclined surface and an end surface, the cam element being disposed in the housing such that pressing the brake button causes the brake button to press against the inclined surface thereby causing the end surface to push against the drag brake pad. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a housing, including an axle; a spool, including a spool disk, rotatably mounted on the axle; a handle disk rotatably mounted concentrically with and in juxtaposition to the spool disk; first and second drag brake pads mounted on the handle disk and bearing against the spool disk with a controllable braking force for providing braking between the spool disk and the handle disk; a generally cylindrical hollow handle housing rotatably mounted on the handle disk and adapted for gripping by a user&#39;s fingers for cranking the handle disk, the handle housing exhibiting first and second diametrically opposed openings in a cylindrical wall thereof; and a brake actuating mechanism disposed in the handle housing and being coupled to the drag brake pads for controlling the braking force, the mechanism comprising first and second brake buttons accessible through the first and second openings, respectively, to a user&#39;s fingers while gripping the handle for cranking the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the brake actuating mechanism comprises first and second brake buttons accessible for being squeezed together through the first and second openings, respectively, by the user&#39;s fingers; and a cam element, exhibiting an inclined surface and an end surface, disposed in the housing such that squeezing together the first and second brake button causes the brake buttons to press against the inclined surface thereby causing the end surface to push against the drag brake pads. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the brake actuating mechanism comprises first and second brake buttons accessible for being squeezed together through the first and second openings, respectively, by the user&#39;s fingers; and a tapered washer having a an inclined surface and a flat surface disposed in the housing between the brake buttons and the drag brake pads such that squeezing together the first and second brake button causes the brake buttons to press against the inclined surface thereby urging the flat surface to move in a direction towards the drag brake pads; and a resilient or elastic element interposed between the flat surface and the drag brake pads such that gradually squeezing together the first and second brake button causes the brake buttons to apply a progressively increasing braking force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a further tapered washer having an inclined surface and a flat surface disposed in the housing such that squeezing together the first and second brake button causes the brake buttons to press against the inclined surface of the further tapered washer thereby urging the flat surface to move in a direction away from the drag brake pads; and an axle passing through bearings in the generally cylindrical hollow handle housing, the axle having one end thereof affixed to the handle disk and the other end thereof forming an endstop for the handle housing and thereby preventing movement of the flat surface of the further tapered washer. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a resilient or elastic element interposed between the flat surface of the further tapered washer and the endstop. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises an adjustable brake mounted on the handle disk for providing a base level drag between the spool disk and the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises an adjustable brake mounted on the housing for providing a standard drag level drag between the spool disk and the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a reel housing; a main axle affixed to a wall of the reel housing; a spool having a flange and having a hollow shaft rotatably mounted concentrically on the main axle; a spool disk rotatably mounted concentrically on the main axle and coupled to the hollow shaft for rotation therewith; a handle disk having thereon a handle, the handle comprising a handle housing or cage; a catch unit affixed to the spool disk, the catch unit having a latching mechanism to maintain a home position on the main axle and having a bearing portion for retaining the handle disk in coaxial and freely rotatable relationship to the spool disk; a brake system mounted on the handle reel for providing a controllable drag braking force acting between the spool disk and the handle disk for resisting relative motion between the two to the extent of the braking force provided by the brake system comprising first and second friction pads located in respective holes in the handle disk and bearing upon a surface of the spool disk; and a brake control system being situated in the handle and comprising: an axle screw passing through bearings in the handle housing and being affixed to the handle disk, the screw exhibiting a screw head for acting as a stop against the housing moving away from the handle disk; first and second brake buttons arranged on opposite sides of the axle screw and being accessible for user finger pressure through respective diametrically opposed first and second openings in the handle housing, first and second conical washers slidably mounted concentrically on the axle screw and so oriented that squeezing the brake buttons together causes the brake buttons to press against the conical washers in “inclined plane” fashion and so tending to urge greater separation between the washers, wherein movement of the second conical washer is constrained by the handle housing, and a spacer arrangement interposed between (a) the first conical washer and (b) the first and second friction pads for transferring force between the first conical washer and the friction pads. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention the spacer comprises a resilient foam washer such that gradually squeezing together the first and second brake button causes the brake buttons to apply a gradually increasing braking force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention the brake pads are made of a synthetic material. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the brake pads bear upon a groove formed in the surface of the spool disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises an adjustable brake mounted on the handle disk for providing a base level drag between the spool disk and the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises an adjustable brake mounted on the housing for providing a standard drag level drag between the spool disk and the handle disk. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool disk; a handle disk; a handle mounted on the handle disk; and apparatus for controlling a braking force between the spool disk and the handle disk, comprising: apparatus for providing the braking force; apparatus for deriving a brake actuation force from finger pressure applied to the handle; and apparatus for applying the brake actuation force to the apparatus for providing a braking force. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a braking force for a fishing reel spool comprises providing a brake between the spool and a handle disk; deriving a brake actuation force from finger pressure applied to a winding handle mounted on a handle disk; and applying the brake actuation force to the brake. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fishing reel comprises a spool disk, a handle disk mounted coaxially and in juxtaposition with the spool disk, a winding handle or crank affixed to the handle disk, and a brake mechanism, including an actuator incorporated in the handle, for applying a drag braking torque between the spool disk and the handle disk. The braking torque is controllable by a user by squeezing the handle while holding the handle for cranking. Accordingly, the user does not have to let go of the winding handle in order to apply or vary the drag. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description which follows, in conjunction with the Drawing, in which the figures are not necessarily to scale, and in which the same reference numerals designate the same parts. In the figures, 
       FIG. 1  shows a view of reel parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of reel parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of reel parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4B  shows a schematic plan and  FIGS. 4A and 4C  show respective side elevations of a spool disk in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  shows a schematic plan and  FIG. 5A  shows a side elevation, partly cross-sectioned, of a catch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show a view of reel parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 8 through 12  show a view of reel parts including a winding handle and a brake actuating mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of brake actuating mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  respectively show a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view and a top view of reel parts including a winding handle and a brake actuating mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is herein described by way of exemplary embodiments. These are merely examples and are not intended to be taken as limiting the invention. 
     FIG. 1  shows parts of a reel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Reference is also made to  FIG. 2  for a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a reel in accordance with the present invention. Some conventional well-known parts such as the “cage”, also known as a spool carrier or supporting enclosure, and an optional “saddle” for mounting the reel assembly to a fishing rod in a conventional manner, are omitted from the drawing of  FIG. 1  for clarity. The term cage is used herein interchangeably with carrier, housing, enclosure, and the like. 
   In reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the reel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a rotatable line spool  2 , the spool comprising a spool flange  4  affixed to one end of a hollow spool shaft  6  which is affixed at its other end to a spool disk  8 . In the assembled reel, spool shaft  6  slides onto a main shaft, spindle, or axle  10  which is affixed to cage  12 . The spool portion thus far described generally serves for winding up and storing the line and for unwinding and letting out the line, as may be required in typical fishing operations. 
   Spool  2 , together with hollow spool shaft  6  is rotatably mounted coaxially on main shaft  10  for free rotation thereon and proximately to a handle disk  14  coupled to spool disk  8 , as will be explained in more detail below. Handle disk  14  is rotatably mounted on main shaft  10  for free rotation relative thereto. 
   Handle disk  14  includes therein a recessed portion  16  for receiving thereinto a first part of a catch cage  18 , which operates by having a flange thereon to retain handle disk  14 , and spool  2  on main shaft  10 . In one embodiment, a second part of catch cage  18  is fixed by screws to a flange portion at the end of spool shaft  6  distal from its point of attachment to cage  12 , the second part of catch cage  18  engaging and cooperating with the first part of catch cage  18  for coupling thereto so as to hold or latch the two parts together by the use of a retaining spring  19  and a mating groove therefor. 
   A quick-release latch button  22  is provided on catch cage  18  for actuating the retaining spring and thereby releasing the parts of catch cage  18  for separation and thereby allowing handle disk  14  and spool  2  to be slid off main shaft  8 . This feature, which is also used on prior art reels, makes it convenient to exchange spools in the field, such as spools having different kinds of fishing line thereon. 
   A clutch friction adjuster button or knob  24  is mounted on handle disk  14  by way of a screw  26  for setting a friction braking operating force. In the embodiment shown in an “exploded view” in  FIG. 3 , first and second clutch friction pads  36  and  38  pass through corresponding holes in handle disk  14  and are pressed by clutch friction adjuster button  24  into contact with an annular groove or track in spool disk  8  to provide a friction braking force. The amount of braking force is set by rotating clutch friction adjuster button  24  as needed to force friction pads  36  and  38  against the groove surface in spool disk  8  with greater or lesser force. This braking force, which results in a braking torque, is referred to as the winding-in drag base level. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, handle disk  14  has therein a threaded hole for receiving clutch friction adjustor screw  26 , which is a machine screw. Screw  26  may optionally be a shoulder screw with an unthreaded portion. In the present embodiment, screw  26  has two threaded portions and a shoulder portion: one thread is to screw tight into handle disk  14  and the other thread is for adjusting button  24 . Screw  26  is always fixed, whereas button  24  is adjustable, depending on how hard the clutch friction is to be adjusted. 
   Laterally, on either side of this threaded hole are two further holes in handle disk  14 , each containing a respective one of cylindrical clutch friction adjustor brake pads  36  and  38 . Threaded clutch friction adjuster button  24  is in the form of a threaded ring through which screw  26  passes to hold clutch friction adjustor button  24  in place. 
   Brake pads  36  and  38  are constrained at their respective first ends by an end surface of clutch friction adjuster button  24  and at their respective second ends by a brake surface which is conveniently optionally integrally formed on spool disk  8 . By turning the threaded clutch friction adjuster button  24 , the user can adjust the substantially constant friction of the clutch. 
   By unscrewing the clutch friction adjuster  24 , that is, tightening it against the top portion of clutch friction adjuster screw  26 , handle disk  14  is enabled to turn freely without rotating the spool disk  8 . By completely tightening clutch friction adjuster button  24  against handle disk  14 , spool disk  8  and handle disk  14  rotate together, essentially as though they formed one part. This mechanism provides the user with the ability to preset the clutch force according to the tippet being used. If a very small tippet is used, then most likely the clutch friction adjustor button  12  will practically be completely unscrewed, thereby leaving the rotation of the handle disk  6  completely independent of the spool disk. 
   A handle, comprising a handle cage  28  is affixed to handle disk  14  by way of a handle screw  30  for use by the operator to wind in the line and for providing other functions, as will be explained below in detail. 
   A brake and anti-reverse mechanism  34  is affixed to cage  12  to provide a desired braking force when a fish on the line runs. This is generally referred to as the standard drag. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the standard drag may be set somewhat lighter than would otherwise be the case: this allows a user to take greater advantage of a feature of the present invention wherein the drag force level may be adjusted “on the fly” when a fish is on line, as will be explained in greater detail below. A conventional type of clicking mechanism  32  affixed to cage  12  provides a clicking function when the fish runs. A saddle  5  is affixed to the bottom of the cage or housing. 
   Referring to features of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention shown in an “exploded” view of parts in  FIG. 3 , spool disk  8 , shown here without other spool parts, is rotatably mounted on main axle or shaft  10  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) in juxtaposition with handle disk  14  which is also rotatably mounted on the main shaft, with a clutch base  20  therebetween. Handle disk  14  has mounted thereon an operating handle, indicated as  40  whereof details will be explained below. Spool disk  8  and handle disk  14  are retained on the main shaft by the removable catch cage  18  in cooperation with a clutch ring  41 . 
   Clutch element or base  20  has a center hole for accommodating therethrough main shaft  10 , a cylindrical portion which fits in the center hole of spool disk  8 , and a flange portion which acts as a low friction bearing surface between handle disk  14  and spool disk  8  to maintain a small separation between them, typically 1 millimeter (mm) or so. Clutch ring  41  acts as a low friction bearing between the other side of handle disk  14  and the flange portion of catch cage  18 . Catch cage  18 , clutch element  41 , and clutch base  20  together hold handle disk  14  in proximity to spool disk  8  with the aforesaid small separation therebetween, when latched in the home position. There is a small amount of play between catch cage  9  with the clutch ring  10  and the clutch base  20 . This play helps ensure that handle disk  6  can freely rotate without any substantial friction. 
   The bearing surfaces of clutch ring  41  and clutch base  20  allow handle disk  12  to rotate freely with respect to spool disk  8  and catch cage  18 , in the absence of any intentional brake force, as will be explained. Thus, spool disk  8  and catch cage  18  are coupled for rotation together. It will be undersood that clutch base  20  may be coupled to spool disk  8 , for example, by screw fasteners as mentioned above or it may be formed integrally therewith. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, two screws, one of which is shown as screw  11  in  FIG. 2 , are provided under spool disk  8  that are screwed into catch cage  18 , thereby holding parts  14 ,  20 ,  8 , and  41  together for operation. Functionally, the catch assembly may be thought of or viewed as a part of spool disk  8 . 
   Clutch ring  41  is not needed in an alternative embodiment wherein 3 or more small plastic pins, for example 0.5 mm, are inserted in holes in the surface of handle disk  14  and, by protruding therefrom, bear upon a surface of spool disk  8  so as to maintain the desired separation without much friction.  FIG. 4B  shows a handle disk  14  in plan and  FIGS. 4A and 4C  show respective side elevation views, indicating a hole  42  of three holes shown for receiving such plastic pins. 
     FIG. 5B  shows an outside view and  FIG. 5A  shows a partial cross-section view of an embodiment of catch cage  18 . As will be apparent, quick release button  22  resides in an elongated hole  44  and may be moved towards the center hole against the force of a spring  46 , to effect a disengagement and release of spool  2  from main shaft  10 . 
   As mentioned above, operating handle  40  is mounted on handle disk  12 , as is also shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Handle  40 , being mounted off-center on handle disk  12 , provides a crank function for winding in the line by an operator and provides a finger control button function for braking and controlling the line, in accordance with features of the present invention to be described hereinafter. 
   Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13 , handle  40  comprises a handle cage  28  which is in the form of a hollow tube  28  having two mutually opposed openings  46  and  48 , in its side wall. Handle  40  is affixed to handle disk  14  by means of handle screw  30 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  show a brake button assembly which comprises first and second brake buttons  50  and  52 , mounted within tube  28  and having portions thereof in openings  46  and  48  so as to be accessible to the fingers of an operator who is grasping handle cage  28 . A pair of tapered washers  54  and  56  are mounted concentrically on screw  30  and exhibit respective tapered surfaces for cooperative engagement with corresponding respective end surfaces of brake buttons  50  and  52 . See also  FIGS. 11 and 12 . A substantially flat end of tapered washer  56  bears upon a spring washer  62  which, in turn bears upon a flat washer  64 . Flat washer  64  bears upon the respective ends of each of two friction pads,  58  and  60 , which pass through respective holes in handle disk  14 . The respective other ends of friction pads  58  and  60  bear upon a surface of spool disk  8 . Similarly, as was previously explained with respect to friction pads  36  and  38 , friction pads  58  and  60  bear upon the surface of spool disk  8 , preferably in a groove, which may optionally be the same groove as that utilized for friction pads  36  and  38 . 
   Handle  40  includes two brake buttons  50  and  52 , which when pressed together form a generally cylindrical hollow tubular shape, exhibiting a combined outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of handle cage  28 . Each of tapered washers  54  and  56  exhibits at least one tapered side surface, the washers being of the approximate shape of the frustrum of a cone. Washers  54  and  56  are arranged to be assembled concentrically axial with the longitudinal center axis of handle  40  and, therefore also approximately coaxial with the longitudinal center axis of brake button  4 , one washer on either side of brake button  4 , such that the taper surfaces of washers  54  and  56  cooperatively engage respective end surfaces of the brake buttons  50  and  52 . The washers and brake buttons  50  and  52  are mutually constrained in this configuration by handle cage  28  in which they are contained. Each of brake buttons  50  and  52  exhibits a respective similar portion or protrusion  66  and  68  respectively, each of which portions may, if desired, protrude into a respective one of the two lateral cut-outs in handle cage  28  to an extent determined to be desirable for the convenience of the user. In any event the cut-outs are of a sufficient size so as to allow free movement in and out of portions  66  and  68 . Portions  66  and  68  exhibit a shape and size convenient to a user for selectively exerting finger pressure thereon, such as by the thumb and another finger, for example, in the customary hand position used in cranking the reel while, at the same time, not encumbering the normal activity of cranking or winding the reel. Portions  66  and  68  may be suitably shaped or curved to comfortably and conveniently accommodate finger pressure by a user. 
   Handle screw  30  passes through the hole in tapered washer  54 , thence through the center axial opening in brake button  4  between brake buttons  50  and  52 , thence through the hole in tapered washer  56 , thence through the holes in washers  64  and  62 , and is then screwed into a threaded hole in handle disk  14 . Handle cage  28  is constrained at its first end by the head of handle screw  30  and at its second end by handle disk  14 , is centered on screw  30  by tapered washers  54  and  56 , and remains captive on screw  30  which is arranged to hold its position in its threaded hole in handle disk  14  such that handle cage  28  remains free to turn without binding. The thread at the end of the handle screw (1) is smaller than the rest of the lower diameter giving the screw a shoulder. The screw is therefore tightened until the bigger diameter touches the handle disk  6 . As was previously mentioned, laterally, on either side of this threaded hole are two further holes in handle disk  14 , each containing a respective cylindrical online brake pad  58  and  60 , respectively. Brake pads  58  and  60  are guided in these slightly bigger respective holes on handle disk  14  and are preferably made of a synthetic material suitable for causing a braking force by pressing against a surface of spool disk  8 . The brake pads are constrained at their respective first ends by washer  64  and at their respective second ends by a brake surface, such as a groove, integrally formed on spool disk  8 . Preferably, this is the same brake surface as that used for wind-in brake pads  36  and  38 , and is conveniently formed on the surface of spool disk  8 . The length of brake pads  58  and  60  is selected such that with no finger pressure being exerted on portions  66  and  68 , the brake pads are not touching the brake surface, or touching it very lightly, and protruding sufficiently from handle disk  14  to urge tapered washer  56  towards tapered washer  54  so as to tend to bring them closer together and thereby to maintain separation of brake buttons  50  and  52  by the action of their respective tapered or conical side surfaces. The necessary tolerances are preferably arranged so that, in the described rest position, brake buttons  50  and  52  are separated to the extent permitted by the surrounding handle cage. In this position, portions  66  and  68  on brake buttons  50  and  52  respectively protrude through or fill to a convenient extent the two lateral cut-outs  46  and  48  in handle cage  28 . 
   The above-described mechanism in accordance with the invention may also be thought of as a brake actuator system utilizing a cam which converts the inward directed finger pressure or force on brake buttons  50  and  52  into a force directed orthogonally to brake pads  58  and  60 . The result of the action of the brake pads is to generate a braking torque. 
     FIG. 14A  shows a cross-sectioned elevation and  FIG. 14B  shows a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the spool handle  40 . This differs from the embodiment described above in the following particulars. Spring washer  62  and flat washer  64  are not used; instead, a Teflon™ washer  68  is placed between tapered washer  56  and friction pads  58  and  60 . It is also possible to use two juxtaposed thinner washers instead of the single washer  68 . A Teflon™ washer  70  is placed under the head of handle screw  30 . As Teflon™ has a low coefficient of sliding friction, this tends to reduce friction for rotation of handle  40 . A foam rubber washer  72 , or a washer of a similar material, is included above tapered washer  54 , that is between tapered washer  54  and that portion of handle cage  28  that constrains the upward movement of tapered washer  54  when brake buttons  50  and  52  are squeezed together for braking. The operation of the brake in accordance with the invention is somewhat different with these changes and may be more desirable, as follows. 
   With the previous embodiment, spring washer  62  provides a cushioning effect so that some discernible movement is required due to compression of spring washer  62  when squeezing friction pads  58  and  60 , thereby allowing the user to readily exercise gradual control over the amount of braking. However, it is possible that spring washer  62  may gradually fatigue or lose some of its elasticity or it may become flattened to some extent through use. When this happens, or if the spring constant of spring washer  62  should happen to be too strong, the braking action in accordance with the invention may tend to require only a small range of motion of brake buttons  50  and  52  when squeezing from the no braking position to strong braking. The inclusion of foam rubber washer  72  in the present alternate embodiment typically allows a greater range of movement of brake buttons  50  and  52  when squeezing from the no braking position to strong braking, thereby making it easier to exercise a finer degree of control over the braking action in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
   In operation, handle cage  28  is utilized as a crank handle for winding the reel. When it is desired to apply an increased winding torque to spool disk  8  or a braking force, as when the reel is unwinding, brake buttons  50  and  52  are squeezed together by the operator, who still has full control of winding or holding stationary the crank handle as may be desired. Squeezing brake buttons  50  and  52  together urges them together causing them, in turn, to act on the tapered washers  54  and  56 , tending to urge them to greater mutual separation. Tapered washer  54  is ultimately constrained by the head of handle screw  30  and cannot move in that direction. Tapered washer  56  is urged against brake pads  58  and  60  which, in turn, are urged into more forceful contact with the brake surface on spool disk  8  and thereby cause a frictional coupling or braking action of spool disk  8  relative to handle disk  14 . It is noted that the braking action is available while winding the reel using handle cage  28  as a crank, so that the brake is acting as a coupling clutch for winding and braking is available when the reel is unwinding and handle cage  28  is being held stationary. 
   Briefly, in operation, spool handle  40 , mounted on handle disk  14  is utilized as a crank pin or crank handle to permit manual winding of the spool by cranking. Handle cage  28  is, in effect, a part of the handle, where the openings or cut-outs  48  and  46  allow the fingers of a user grasping handle  40  to exert pressure selectively by a squeezing action on brake buttons  58  and  60 , of which at least a portion is an internal part in handle cage  24 , as will be explained in more detail below. This causes a braking action on the spool which is under control of the user or operator. 
   The clutch allows spool disk  8  to rotate freely, including in the opposite direction to the rotation of handle disk  14 . Clutch ring  41  is preferably made of synthetic material reducing the friction that could be created between the two disks  14  and  8 . The length of brake pads  36  and  38  is selected such that with a convenient tightening of wind-in screw  11 , brake pads  36  and  38  are touching the brake surface with a certain pressure for providing a frictional coupling or braking force between handle disk  14  and spool disk  8 . The braking force is adjustable by adjusting winding-in adjuster button  24  for adjusting the winding-in drag to a desired value, for example, as being suitable for the tippet being fished. As mentioned above, the standard drag is adjustable by the user in a known manner by adjusting or setting brake system  34  on the other side of the reel to handle disk  14 . 
   A user may thus adjust the winding in drag and the standard drag to convenient values for the particular situation in which the rod is being used. Because of the convenient control possible with the present invention, the standard drag may be set to a lower value than would otherwise be typically used. By simply squeezing the handle, the user also squeezes the brake button and thereby conveniently and readily adjusts the drag to a value greater than the standard drag, which sets a minimum value when no pressure is applied to the handle. 
   If a fish is hooked and then starts to run, the crank handle can remain in the fisherman user&#39;s fingers without any risk of breaking the tippet. It is now the user&#39;s decision to wait until the fish stops running or the user can start activating the online brake simply by pressing the two brake buttons together. If the brake buttons are squeezed together with a strong force, then the spool disk  8  which is turning comes to a complete stop as the reel handle is held stationary by the user. There is also the option of squeezing the brake buttons together and cranking the handle, thereby forcing the fish towards the user. All of these above abilities give the user a variety of possibilities during the fight with the fish which were not possible in this convenient manner in the past. Because the reel handle need not turn while line is being taken out, the user may keep hold of the handle and retain control of the drag at all times. No “palming” or reaching around to adjust knobs is required in use to change or adjust drag—the user can keep a hand on the handle and adjust the drag by squeezing it. 
   It is significant to note that, in accordance with the present invention, the desired amount of drag is adjustable by the user while a fish is on the line. This is in contrast with prior art reels where the drag must generally be preset before hooking a fish. Squeezing the handle to increase drag corresponds well with an instinctive “tightening” action in the sense of gripping to increase drag. Furthermore, because the control is virtually instantaneous, the fisherman is able to adjust the drag in response to rapid changes in tactics for handling the requirements of situations typically arising in fishing such as when a fish makes a long run whereby the tippet is in danger of breaking and a lighter drag force is required. 
   The following actions are thus made possible: 
   If clutch friction adjuster button  24  is completely unscrewed and buttons  50  and  52  not squeezed together, then spool disk  8  does not rotate with handle disk  14  and indeed, is free to turn in the opposite direction if a fish is pulling the line. 
   If clutch friction adjuster button  24  is completely tightened then disk  8  always turns in unison with disk  14 . 
   If clutch friction adjuster button  24  is set to give a light frictional force to disk  8  and buttons  50  and  52  are not squeezed and no fish is on the line, then the disk  8  rotates in the same direction as handle disk  14 , thereby winding in the line. 
   If clutch friction adjuster button  24  is set to give a light frictional force to disk  8  and buttons  50  and  52  are not squeezed and a fish is on the line and running, then disk  8  rotates in the opposite direction. 
   If clutch friction adjuster button  24  is set to give a light frictional force to disk  8  and buttons  50  and  52  are squeezed together and a fish is on the line, then disk  8  rotates in the same direction as handle disk  14 , thereby forcing the fish towards the fisherman. 
   While the invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one of skill in the art to which it pertains that various changes and substitutions may be made to the describe embodiments. For example, the described embodiments utilize two tapered washers; it is possible to arrange the button mechanism so as to use only one tapered washer, with a passive support at the other end. It is likewise not essentially that two brake pads be used: the mechanism is adaptable to using a single brake pad, although two are herein considered preferable. Such changes, substitutions and the like may be made without departing from the spirit and teaching of the invention which is defined by the claims following.