Abstract:
A fishing reel is disclosed including a spool for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool about a winding axis, the spool is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. A spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/450,018 entitled “Fishing Reel,” filed Nov. 18, 2003, which is a national stage application of PCT/NZ01/00266, entitled “Fishing Reel,” filed Dec. 4, 2001. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/450,018 and PCT application PCT/NZ01/00266 are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a fishing reel and more particularly to a fishing reel that is configured for enhanced fishing with lures. The spool of the fishing reel is movable between one or more eccentric position to a substantially concentric position. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   When fishing with a lure or spinning, it is desirable to be able to make the lure move erratically to more accurately imitate the motion of live bait. This can be achieved in part by the design of the lure itself, which may be configured to spin, weave and/or dive within the water. 
   When fishing from a stationary boat or shore, the movement of the lure can be further enhanced by a process commonly known as “jigging” in which the angler regularly flicks the rod quickly backwards while winding in the line, thereby causing the lure to periodically accelerate and decelerate as it is reeled in. 
   While this method may be effective, particularly when fishing with larger lures, it takes considerable skill and effort and is not practical when trying to simulate the fast darting movements of smaller bait. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,425,492 discloses a fishing reel in which the spool is movable between an eccentric and a concentric position. Line is wound onto the reel by rotating the spool. In the eccentric position, “jigging” can be effected. The spool can only be positioned in one eccentric position and the point at which the spool moves from the eccentric to concentric position is preset and cannot be adjusted by the user. This restricts a user from setting the desired degree of eccentricity to achieve a desired movement of a lure and does not allow a user to set the force on the line required to move the spool from the eccentric to concentric position. The construction is complex as implemented in a fishing reel having a rotating reel. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a fishing reel that overcomes or ameliorates one or more disadvantages of the prior art or which at least offers a useful alternative. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fishing reel including: a spool for storing and dispensing line; and 
   a winding mechanism for winding line onto the spool about a winding axis, wherein the spool may be releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. 
   According to another aspect there is provided a fishing reel including: 
   a spool for storing and dispensing line having an eccentrically positioned bore therein; 
   a winding mechanism for winding line onto the spool about a winding axis; 
   a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool; and 
   a clutch for releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle. 
   According to a further aspect there is provided a fishing reel including: 
   a spool for storing and dispensing line; 
   a winding mechanism for winding line onto the spool about a winding axis; 
   said spool being mounted for selective movement between a first position wherein the axis of the spool is eccentrically offset from the winding axis and a second position wherein the axis of the spool is substantially concentric with the winding axis; and 
   a clutch enabling adjustment of the force required to move the spoof from the first to the second position. 
   According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fishing reel including: 
   a spool for storing and dispensing line; and 
   a winding mechanism including an arm rotatable about a winding axis for winding line 
   onto the spool, said spool being mounted for selective movement between a first position wherein the axis of the spool is eccentrically offset from the winding axis and a second position wherein the axis of the spool is substantially concentric with the winding axis. 
   Using a reel of the invention a lure can be wound in with the spool in the first eccentric position, which causes the speed of the retracting line, and lure to accelerate and decelerate with each rotation about the winding axis. Once there has been a “hit” and a fish is hooked, the spool automatically moves to the second position, which is substantially concentric with the winding axis, thus enabling the hooked fish to be reeled with the spool in the normal concentric location that provides an even speed winding action. 
   The spool is preferably releasably securable in a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different extent to allow a user to control the amount of “jigging”. The spool is preferably continuously adjustable between a most eccentric position and a concentric position. Stops on the spool and spool base (or another fixed part of the reel) may limit the range of movement of the spool with respect to the reel. Preferably, the range of movement of the spool is limited to less than 180°. 
   In the preferred construction, the spool has an eccentrically offset bore and is rotatable about a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis. Preferably, the spool mounting is configured to enable a self-centring action from an eccentric to a concentric position when the load on the line exceeds a set threshold. 
   A clutch is preferably provided for securing the spool in a desired eccentric position and setting the load threshold for allowing movement between the eccentric to the concentric position. The clutch preferably includes a frictional surface between the spool and a spool base. A variable compression means is preferably provided to allow adjustment of the compressive force between the spool and the spool base. The variable compression means preferably consists of an adjustable nut, which may be positioned along a threaded shaft to vary the compressive force applied by a spring. The knob may include means for visually indicating the compressive force applied by the spring. 
   The reel may include a clicker in the form of a flexible strip mounted to a stationary part of the wheel, which engages projections of a rotating part of the reel or vice versa. 
   There is further provided a spool and spool base for a fishing reel wherein the spool may be releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. 
   There is still further provided a spool and spool base for a fishing reel wherein the spool base includes an eccentrically located spindle extending therefrom and the spool includes an eccentrically located bore for receiving the spindle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1 : shows a front side perspective view of a fishing reel according to a first embodiment; 
       FIG. 2 : shows a side view of the fishing reel of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3 : shows a top view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 4 : shows a side cross-sectional view along line A—A; 
       FIG. 5 : shows a top cross-sectional view along section B—B; 
       FIG. 6 : shows a front exploded view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1–5 ; 
       FIG. 7 : shows a rear exploded view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1–6 ; 
       FIG. 8 : shows a front view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1–7  with the spool in a concentric position; 
       FIG. 9 : shows a front view with the spool in an eccentric position; 
       FIG. 10A : shows a front view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1–9  with the spool in a most eccentric position; 
       FIG. 10B : is a cross-section though the spool which illustrates the manner in which the stops limit relative movement between the spool and spool base; 
       FIG. 11 : shows a view of the fishing reel of  FIGS. 1–10  along section C—C; 
       FIG. 12 : shows detail of the region D of the clicker shown  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13 : shows a fishing reel according to a second embodiment in which the variable compression means includes a knob located at the rear of the fishing reel; 
       FIG. 14 : shows a rear side perspective view of the fishing reel of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15 : shows a side cross-sectional view of the reel of  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; and 
       FIG. 16 : shows a knob including visual indication markings. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring firstly to  FIGS. 1–12  a reel according to a first embodiment will be described. The fishing reel includes a body part  1  having a foot  2  for securing the reel to a fishing rod. Rotation of crank  3  causes gear housing  18  and bale arm  4  to rotate about spool  5 . When the bale arm  4  is in its closed position (as shown) rotation of bale arm  4  about spool  5  causes line to be wound upon spool  5  or unwound therefrom depending upon the direction of rotation. 
   When spool  5  is in a substantially concentric position (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 ), the line is wound at a relatively even rate upon spool  5 . When spool  5  is moved from a substantially concentric position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) to substantially eccentric position (as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10A ) the winding characteristics change. As the position of spool  5  becomes increasingly eccentric, the speed of retraction of the line accelerates and decelerates with each rotation about the winding axis. This causes alure attached to the line to accelerate and decelerate accordingly. This allows movement of the lure, commonly known as “jigging”, to be varied according to the extent to which spool  5  is eccentrically positioned. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the mechanism for achieving eccentric positioning of spool  5  will be described. Spool base  6  has a spindle  7  extending therefrom. Spindle  7  is eccentrically positioned with respect to central bore  8 . Shaft  9  passes through bore  8  to mount spool base  6  to the reel. Shaft  9  extends along the winding axis about which line is wound onto spool  5 . 
   Spool  5  has an eccentrically located bore  10 . Spindle  7  locates within bore  10  and spool  5  is rotatable about spindle  7 . In the position shown in  FIG. 8 , spindle  7  and bore  10  are offset from the winding axis (along the line of shaft  9 ) to the same extent. In this relative position spool  5  is substantially concentric with the winding axis, as shown in  FIG. 8 . If spool  5  is rotated by 180° from this initial position the spool becomes offset from the winding axis by the displacement of bore  10  from the winding axis plus the displacement of spindle  7  from the winding axis to assume the position shown in  FIG. 10A . In this position the greatest acceleration and deceleration of line will be achieved during winding. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10B  stop  29  on spindle  7  may move within arcuate groove  30  to abut stops  30 A and  30 B at either end of travel. This limits movement within a range of 180° of relative movement. 
   In use spool  5  may be moved to a desired eccentric position and secured by a clutch. Whilst the spool is secured in an eccentric position winding of the line on spool  5  will result in a “jigging” action of the lure. When a fish is hooked a load is applied to the line and, when the load is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the clutch, spool  5  is forced back to the concentric position as shown in  FIG. 8 . Line can then run smoothly from the reel, utilising a drag control if desired, or be wound in smoothly to retrieve a fish. The arrangement described allows a user to position spool  5  with a desired amount of eccentricity with respect to the winding axis. It may then be secured in place by the clutch. 
   A number of clutch mechanisms could be employed but a preferred arrangement will now be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . A plate  16  is mounted at a fixed position along shaft  9 . Spool base  6  is mounted adjacent plate  16  with shaft  9  passing through bore  8 . A sheet  11  having a frictional surface is sandwiched between plate  16  and spool base  6 . Alternatively, a frictional coating could be applied to either the surface of plate  16  adjacent spool  6  or the underside surface of spool base  6  adjacent plate  16  or both. Alternatively spool base  6  may mechanically engage with plate  16  to prevent relative rotation or some similar arrangement may be employed. 
   Spool  5  is mounted to spool base  6  by spindle  7  passing through bore  10 . The underside of spool  5  or the surface of spool base  6  adjacent spool  5 , or both, are provided with a frictional coating to act as a clutch plate. Alternatively a separate clutch plate may be provided between the spool  5  and spool base  6 . Washer  12  is then placed upon a threaded end of shaft  9  and a compression means in the form of knob  13 , spring  14  and nut  15  is then secured. A frictional surface may be provided between washer  12  and spool  5  also. Spring  14  and nut  15  are located within knob  13 . Knob  13  may be rotated by a user so as to fasten or unfasten nut  15 . As nut  15  is fastened and unfastened spring  14  applies a greater or lesser compressive force between spool base  6  and spool  5 . Due to the frictional surface between spool  5  and spool base  6  and between washer  12  and spool  15  the force required to rotate spool  5  varies according to the compressive force applied by spring  14 . It will be appreciated that acceptable performance may be achieved utilising only one such frictional surface. The frictional surface may suitably be PTFE tape. A circlip  28  may be provided to contain nut  15  and spring  14  within knob  13 . 
   Accordingly, by adjustment of knob  13  a user can secure spool  5  in a desired position and set the compressive force applied between spool  5  and spool base  6  by adjusting knob  13 . Adjusting the compressive force applied between spool  5  and spool base  6  allows a user to set the line loading at which the spool may move from an eccentric to a substantially concentric position. 
   In use, knob  13  may be rotated to loosen the compression means formed by spring  14  and nut  15 . Spool  5  may then be rotated about spindle  7  to a desired eccentric position. Knob  13  may then be adjusted until nut  15  compresses spring  14  to apply a desired compressive force. A lure may then be cast and wound in in the normal manner. Due to the eccentric position of spool  5 , line will be wound at a variable speed to produce a “jigging” action. 
   When a fish takes the lure a number of events happen in sequence. Torque is applied to spool  5  by the fishing line as the fish loads the line. As the torque increases spool  5  overcomes the frictional resistance and rotates about spindle  7  until stop  30  engages stop  30 A of spool base  6 . 
   Once spool  5  assumes the concentric position spool  5  and spool base  6  rotate about shaft  9 . The amount of drag (i.e. resistance to rotation of spool  5  and spool base  6  about shaft  9 ) may be adjusted by adjusting the compressive force applied by spring  14  by adjusting the position of nut  15 . Where a drag control mechanism is employed which controls rotation of shaft  9 , spool base  6  may be fixed to shaft  9  and the drag may be adjusted via a drag control knob of the fishing reel. With spool  5  in its concentric position line may be wound in at a uniform rate. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12  a clicker mechanism is shown. The clicker mechanism produces a clicking noise when spool base  6  rotates relative to gear housing  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  a clicker plate  16  is fixed to shaft  9  and a flexible strip  17  is affixed to the gear housing  18  by a rivet  19 . As gear housing  18  rotates flexible strip  17  clicks as it passes over the teeth  20  of clicker wheel  16 . It will be appreciated that an opposite arrangement may also be employed where serrations are provided about the interior surface of gear housing  18  and a flexible strip extends from clicker plate  16 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 13 to 15  an alternative embodiment is shown in which a rear knob  21  is used to adjust the clutch. The mechanism is substantially the same as that shown in relation to  FIGS. 1–12  except that the form of the variable compression means has been modified for rear adjustment. In this case shaft  22  extends through tube  31  and has a flat head  23  for applying compressive force to spool  5 . As in the previous embodiment knob  21  rotates nut  25  on a threaded end of shaft  22  to adjust the compression of spring  26 . This arrangement makes adjustment of knob  21  easier for some configurations and removes any obstruction from the front of spool  5 . A separate drag control mechanism may be provided with a separate drag control knob. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 16  a knob  24  including a visual indication means is shown. In this case a number of lines  27  are indicated on an end of nut  25  to enable a user to see the extent to which spring  26  has been compressed by the position of nut  25  with respect to knob  24 . This enables a user to set a desired threshold at which the spool may move from an eccentric to a concentric position based on visual markings. This arrangement may be utilized for knob  13  shown in relation to  FIGS. 1–12  also. The invention provides a fishing reel of simple construction that allows a user to set a desired amount of “jigging” and to set the force required to move the spool from an eccentric to a concentric position. 
   Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. 
   Although this invention has been described by way of example it is to be appreciated  1  that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.