Patent Publication Number: US-2023148578-A1

Title: Baitcaster with internal gear set

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/188,867, filed Mar. 1, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/072,902, filed Oct. 16, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/916,458, filed Oct. 17, 2019, the entire disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to fishing reels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to baitcasting fishing reels. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a baitcaster for retrieving a fishing line. The baitcaster includes a housing, a spool, and a compound gear set. The spool is positioned at least partially within the housing, defining an inner volume, and includes a spindle. The compound gear set is positioned at least partially within the inner volume of the spool. The compound gear set is configured to receive input mechanical energy from a first shaft and transfer output mechanical energy through a second shaft to drive the spool and thereby retrieve the fishing line. The spindle is positioned centrally within the inner volume of the spool. The spindle is fixedly coupled with the spool through a central member. The central member extends radially outwards from the spindle and divides the inner volume into a first inner volume and a second inner volume. The spool also includes a straight portion, a first curved portion positioned at a first end of the straight portion, and a second curved portion positioned at a second end of the straight portion. A transition between the straight portion and the first curved portion divides the first inner volume into a first sub-volume and a second sub-volume. The compound gear set also includes a ring gear, input planet gears, output planet gears, and a carrier configured to support the input planet gears and the output planet gears. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a fishing rod. The fishing rod includes a rod and a baitcaster. The baitcaster is fixedly coupled with the rod and is configured to retrieve a fishing line that extends along the rod. The baitcaster includes a housing, a spool, and a compound gear set. The spool is positioned at least partially within the housing, defines an inner volume, and includes a spool shaft. The compound gear set is positioned at least partially within the inner volume of the spool. The compound gear set is configured to receive input mechanical energy from an input shaft and transfer output mechanical energy to the spool through an output shaft and the spool shaft to drive the spool to retrieve the fishing line. The spool shaft is positioned centrally within the inner volume of the spool. The spool shaft fixedly couples with the spool through a central member. The central member extends radially outwards from the spool shaft and divides the inner volume into a first inner volume and a second inner volume. The spool includes a straight portion, a first curved portion positioned at a first end of the straight portion, and a second curved portion positioned at a second end of the straight portion. A transition between the straight portion and the first curved portion divides the first inner volume into a first sub-volume and a second sub-volume. The compound gear set includes a ring gear, input planet gears, output planet gears, a carrier configured to support the input planet gears and the output planet gears, and an output shaft 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a gear set for a baitcaster. The gear set includes a ring gear, input planet gears, output planet gears, a carrier, and an output shaft. The input planet gears are configured to engage with the ring gear. The output planet gears are rotatably coupled with the input planet gears. The carrier is configured to support the input planet gears and the output planet gears. The output shaft is configured to drive a spool of the baitcaster. The gear set is positioned at least partially within an inner volume of the spool of the baitcaster at a first end of the baitcaster and configured to receive an input torque through a handle at the first end of the baitcaster and drive the spool through a coupling between the output shaft and the spool at a second end of the baitcaster. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a baitcaster, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1    including a spool drive mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  3   , including the spool drive mechanism positioned at least partially within an inner volume defined by a spool of the baitcaster, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  3   , including the spool drive mechanism positioned at least partially within an inner volume defined by a spool of the baitcaster, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the spool drive mechanism of the baitcaster of  FIG.  3   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective sectional view of a compound gear set that receives an input torque from a handle and outputs torque to a spool of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the compound gear set of  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a portion of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a portion of the baitcaster of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic diagram of the compound gear set of  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the FIGURES. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Overview 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, a fishing reel includes an elongated member or a fishing rod and a baitcaster apparatus. The baitcaster apparatus is fixedly coupled with the fishing rod and is configured to receive a torque input from a user to retrieve or take-up fishing line that extends along the fishing rod. The fishing line may extend through one or more eyelets that are positioned along the fishing rod and guide the fishing line towards the baitcaster apparatus for winding or take-up onto the spool. 
     The baitcaster apparatus may include body members and structural members. The body members may be spaced apart and cooperatively define an inner volume in which a spool drive mechanism is disposed. The spool drive mechanism can include a compound gear set. The compound gear set includes an input shaft that is configured to receive an input torque from the user through a handle. The input shaft may be fixedly rotatably coupled with a ring gear that includes radially inwards facing teeth. The radially inwards facing teeth are configured to engage multiple input planetary gears. The input planetary gears can each be fixedly coupled with planetary gear shafts that fixedly couple with output planetary gears. The input planetary gears, the planetary gear shafts, and the output planetary gears may be integrally formed with each other and can be supported by a carrier. The carrier may be rotatably fixedly coupled with a body or housing member of the baitcaster apparatus. The input planetary gears, the planetary gear shafts, and the output planetary gears may spin without orbiting about the input shaft. 
     The output planetary gears are configured to engage and drive an output shaft that extends along a same axis as the input shaft. The output shaft can be rotatably fixedly coupled with the spool to drive the spool to take up or let out the fishing line. 
     The spool drive mechanism can include a one-way bearing that is rotatably fixedly coupled with the input shaft. The one-way bearing may facilitate or allow rotation of the input shaft in a first direction (e.g., a take-up direction) but prevent rotation of the input shaft in a second, opposite, direction (e.g., a let-out direction). In some embodiments, the spool is selectively rotatably coupled with the input shaft so that the spool can be driven by the input shaft for winding the fishing line and free to rotate for letting out the fishing line. 
     The spool may define an inner volume that is divided into a first inner volume and a second inner volume. The first inner volume can be portions within the spool that are on a handle side of a central structural member of the spool. The second inner volume can be portions within the spool that are on an opposite side of the central structural member of the spool. The spool may include a straight portion that is substantially cylindrical. The spool may include curved or arcuate end portions that facilitate preventing fishing line from falling off opposite ends of the spool. The spool can include a central spool shaft that includes an inner volume through which the output shaft extends. The output shaft may rotatably couple with the spool shaft through one or more ball bearings that are positioned within the spool shaft. The input planetary gears may be at least partially positioned within the first inner volume of the spool. The carrier, planet gear shafts, and output planet gears are completely positioned within the first inner volume of the spool. Positioning the compound gear set within the spool (e.g., within the first inner volume of the spool) facilitates a more compact and robust spool drive mechanism and baitcaster apparatus. 
     Baitcaster 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a fishing reel, a baitcasting reel, a baitcaster, etc., shown as fishing reel  10  includes a rod, a pole, an elongated member, a flexible member, etc., shown as rod  14  and a reel apparatus, a reel mechanism, a reel assembly, a fishing line retrieval apparatus, etc., shown as reel  12 . Reel  12  is fixedly coupled, attached, mounted, etc., with rod  14 . In some embodiments, reel  12  is fixedly coupled with rod  14  through mounts, attachment members, etc., shown as mount  18 . Mount  18  may extend from a bottom portion of reel  12  and fixedly couple with rod  14 . 
     Reel  12  includes a spool, a barrel, a cylindrical member, etc., shown as spool  20 . Spool  20  may be rotatably coupled with an input shaft, a rotatable shaft, a shaft, a first shaft, etc., shown as input shaft  32  such that spool  20  rotates when input shaft  32  is turned. In some embodiments, input shaft  32  is rotatably or fixedly coupled with a handle  36 . An axis  22  extends through input shaft  32  and spool  20 . Input shaft  32  and spool  20  can be co-axial with each other about axis  22 . Handle  36  facilitates an input torque to input shaft  32  about axis  22  for driving spool  20 . In some embodiments, handle  36  and input shaft  32  are configured to rotate in a first direction (e.g., direction  24 ) to take-up fishing line  26  so that fishing line  26  is wound onto spool  20 . 
     Fishing line  26  can extend along rod  14  and may be guided by one or more eyelets  46 . Eyelets  46  can be positioned along rod  14  and can include an opening, a hole, an aperture, etc., through which fishing line  26  passes. Fishing line  26  may extend from an eyelet  46  that is most proximate reel  12  onto spool  20 . Rod  14  defines a central axis  34  that extends longitudinally through a center of rod  14 . Fishing line  26  may be guided from eyelet  46  that is most proximate reel  12  to spool  20 . Fishing line  26  that is between the eyelet  46  most proximate reel  12  and central axis  34  may define an angle θ. The angle θ may change from a maximum positive value θ +,max  to a maximum negative value as fishing line  26  is taken up or reeled onto spool  20 . 
     Reel  12  includes a first or a handle-side body member, housing member, structural member, etc., shown as first body member  28 , and a second body member, housing member, structural member, etc., shown as second body member  30 . First body member  28  and second body member  30  can define opposite sides of reel  12 . Spool  20  can be positioned between first body member  28  and second body member  30  and may extend between first body member  28  and second body member  30 . Spool  20  can be supported or rotatably coupled on either end with first body member  28  and second body member  30 . Spool  20  may rotate relative to first body member  28  and second body member  30 . 
     Reel  12  includes a guide member  900  that is configured to extend between first body member  28  and second body member  30  and be driven to rotate by rotation of handle  36 . In some embodiments, guide member  900  is configured to engage fishing line  26  at a contact point  901 . Fishing line  26  may be guided onto spool  20  from contact point  901 . For example, fishing line  26  may extend from contact point  901  onto spool  20  where it is then wound onto spool  20 . Rotation of guide member  900  can result in reciprocative translation of contact point  901 . For example, as guide member  900  rotates, contact point  901  may shift back and forth along guide member  900  between opposite ends of guide member  900 . In this way, fishing line  26  is guided and wound onto spool  20  along an entire longitudinal length of spool  20 , thereby facilitating an even distribution of fishing line  26  on spool  20  and reducing knotting and/or bunching of fishing line  26  on spool  20  (e.g., an uneven distribution of fishing line  26 ). Evenly distributing and winding fishing line  26  on spool  20  can reduce a likelihood of fishing line  26  snagging, knotting, or becoming tangled when fishing line  26  is let out (e.g., released) from spool  20  (e.g., for casting operations). 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , input shaft  32  extends through first body member  28  and protrudes outwards from first body member  28 . Handle  36  is coupled with input shaft  32  exterior of first body member  28  so that handle  36  can be operated by a fisherman&#39;s right hand while rod  14  is held by the fisherman&#39;s left hand. In other embodiments, input shaft  32  extends outwards through second body member  30  so that handle  36  is operated by the fisherman&#39;s left hand while rod  14  is held by the fisherman&#39;s right hand. 
     Input shaft  32  is configured to turn and drive rotation of spool  20  through a spool drive mechanism, a compound planetary gear assembly, a gear train, a gear assembly, etc., shown as spool drive mechanism  100 . Spool drive mechanism  100  can be configured to receive torque from input shaft  32  and transfer the torque to spool  20  so that spool  20  rotates to take up or wind fishing line  26  onto spool  20 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIG.  1   , reel  12  includes an input member, a bar, a rotatable linkage, a translatable member, a lever, a button, etc., shown as lever  38 . Lever  38  may extend between first body member  28  and second body member  30  and may be pivotable, rotatable, and/or translatable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, lever  38  is configured to be transitioned between the first position and the second position to selectively couple input shaft  32  with spool  20 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , reel  12  can include a first structural member, a first frame member, etc., shown as first frame member  40 , and a second structural member, a second frame member, etc., shown as second frame member  42 . First frame member  40  and second frame member  42  can be parallel with each other and may both extend in a longitudinal direction that is defined by central axis  34 . First frame member  40  and second frame member  42  may be positioned within first body member  28  and second body member  30 , respectively or may be positioned within an inner volume that is at least partially defined by first body member  28  and second body member  30 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , reel  12  can include a central body member, a central housing, etc., shown as body member  44 . In some embodiments, body member  44  extends between first body member  28  and second body member  30 . First body member  28  and body member  44  may cooperatively define a first inner volume in which first structural member  40  is positioned. Second body member  30  and body member  44  may cooperatively define a second inner volume in which second structural member  42  is positioned. 
     Spool Drive Mechanism 
     Compound Planetary Gear Set 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  3 - 13   , spool drive mechanism  100  includes a planetary gear set, a planetary gear train, a compound planetary gear set, etc., shown as compound gear set  200 . Compound gear set  200  may include input shaft  32  or may be driven by input shaft  32 . For example, turning input shaft  32  may drive compound gear set  200  of spool drive mechanism  100 , thereby driving rotation of spool  20 . 
     Reel  12  also includes a second structural member, a left structural member, a frame member, etc., shown as second structural member  42 . First structural member  40  and second structural member  42  can be parallel with each other and may be positioned apart. Input shaft  32  may extend through first structural member  40 . In some embodiments, first body member  28  and second body member  30  are fixedly coupled with first structural member  40  and second structural member  42 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1  and  8 - 11   , compound gear set  200  includes a ring member  202  (e.g., a ring gear) that is configured to be driven to rotate by turning of input shaft  32 . Ring member  202  can be centered or co-axial with axis  22  can may be configured to rotate about axis  22 . Ring member  202  can include a ring gear portion  204  and an engagement portion  206 . In some embodiments, ring gear portion  204  includes radially inwards facing teeth that are configured to engage or mesh with corresponding teeth, gears, planet gears, etc., of compound gear set  200 . Engagement portion  206  can be selectably or adjustably fixedly coupled with input shaft  32 . For example, engagement portion  206  may be fixedly rotatably coupled with input shaft  32  through a frictional interface. The frictional interface may be adjustable (e.g., by a user input, by twisting a knob, etc.) to increase or decrease a strength of the frictional interface. 
     Compound gear set  200  also includes a carrier  208 , multiple planet gear shafts  216 , input planet gears  210 , output planet gears  212 , and an output shaft  214 . In some embodiments, ring member  202  includes radially inwards facing teeth that are configured to engage input planet gears  210 . Input planet gears  210  are each rotatably or fixedly coupled with a corresponding one of planet gear shafts  216 . Planet gear shafts  216  may each extend through and rotatably couple with an inner race of a corresponding planet gear bearing  224 . An outer race of planet gear bearings  224  is fixedly coupled with carrier  208 . For example, planet gear bearings  224  may be press fit into an aperture, an opening, a hole, a bore, etc., of carrier  208 , shown as aperture  226 . Carrier  208  can include multiple apertures  226  that are positioned a radial distance away from axis  22  and are evenly angularly spaced about axis  22 . For example, compound gear set  200  can include three sets of a planet gear bearing  224 , an input planet gear  210 , an output planet gear  212 , and a planet gear shaft  216 . Output planet gears  212  may be positioned within an inner housing member, an inner shell member, an inner body member, etc., shown as inner body member  254 . Inner body member  254  can extend between opposite portions of body member  44 . 
     Planet gear bearings  224  are press fit, slip fit, or otherwise fixedly coupled along an outer race with apertures  226  (or an inner surface of carrier  208  that is defined by apertures  226 ). Planet gear shafts  216 , input planet gears  210 , and output planet gears  212  can be rotatably coupled with carrier  208  through planet gear bearings  224  so that planet gear shafts  216 , input planet gears  210 , and output planet gears  212  can spin relative to carrier  208  about their respective axes  220  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). Planet gear shaft  216 , input planet gear  210 , and output planet gear  212  may be fixedly or rotatably coupled with each other (e.g., integrally formed) so that each set of planet gear shaft  216 , input planet gear  210 , and output planet gear  212  spin in unison about its respective axis  220 . Axis  220  extends through each planet gear shaft  216 , input planet gear  210 , and output planet gear  212  and may be radially offset from axis  22  of input shaft  32 . Planet gear shaft  216  is supported or rotatably coupled at a first end by a flange member  218  of compound gear set  200 . 
     Input shaft  32  includes a first or proximate end where handle  36  is coupled with input shaft  32 , and a second or distal end that is 
     opposite the first end. Flange member  218  is rotatably coupled with input shaft  32  at the second or distal end. Flange member  218  is co-axial with axis  22  and may be free to rotate relative to input shaft  32 . Flange member  218  may be configured to rotatably couple with the second end of input shaft  32  through input shaft bearing  242 . Input shaft bearing  242  can include an inner race and an outer race. The outer race of input shaft bearing  242  can be fixedly coupled with a corresponding radially inwards facing surface of flange member  218 . The inner race of input shaft bearing  242  can be fixedly coupled with a corresponding radially outwards facing surface of input shaft  32  at the second end of input shaft  32 . 
     Flange member  218  is configured to rotatably couple with an end of planet gear shafts  216 . In some embodiments, an end portion of planet gear shafts  216  or a protrusion of input planet gears  210  extends through a corresponding aperture of flange member  218 . In this way, planet gear shafts  216  and/or input planet gears  210  may rotatably couple with flange member  218 . In some embodiments, planet gear shafts  216  and input planet gears  210  are free to rotate about their axis  220  relative to flange member  218 . 
     Input shaft  32  is configured to drive ring member  202  which engages and drives input planet gears  210 . Input shaft  32  may rotate about axis  22 , thereby driving ring member  202  to rotate about axis  22 . Rotation of ring member  202  about axis  22  drives each set of input planet gear  210 , planet gear shaft  216 , and output planet gear  212  to spin about their respective axes  58 . Input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and 
     output planet gears  212  may each be driven to spin about their respective axes  58  by the engagement between teeth of input planet gears  210  and radially inwards facing teeth of ring member  202 . In some embodiments, input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and output planet gears  212  spin about their respective axes  220  without orbiting about axis  22 . For example, axes  220  may be translationally fixed relative to carrier  208  so that each assembly of input planet gear  210 , planet gear shaft  216 , and output planet gear  212  spin about axis  220  while axis  220  remains stationary. 
     Carrier  208  can be fixedly coupled with first structural member  40 , first body member  28 , or any other stationary structural or housing component of reel  12 . Spinning of planet gear shafts  216  and input planet gears  210  about their respective axes  220  drives rotation of output planet gears  212  which engage, mesh, or otherwise interface with teeth  240  of output shaft  214 . In some embodiments, output planet gears  212  have a larger number of teeth with respect to input planet gears  210  such that rotation of input shaft  32  at a first speed results in rotation of output shaft  214  at a second speed that is higher than the first speed. Output shaft  214  can be rotatably coupled with carrier  208  through a central bearing  228 . For example, a radially outwards facing surface of output shaft  214  may be fixedly coupled with a radially inwards facing surface of an inner race of central bearing  228 . A radially outwards facing surface of an outer race of central bearing  228  can be fixedly coupled (e.g., press fit, interference fit, slip fit, etc.) with a radially inwards facing surface of carrier  208 . 
     In this way, turning input shaft  32  (e.g., by rotating handle  36 ) drives rotation of output shaft  214 . Output shaft  214  can be fixedly coupled with spool  20  such that rotation of output shaft  214  about axis  22  drives rotation of spool  20  about axis  22 . In some embodiments, output shaft  214  is selectably fixedly coupled with spool  20 . Spool  20  can include an inner volume  52  through which output shaft  214  extends. In some embodiments, spool  20  and output shaft  214  are rotatably coupled with each other through spool bearings  230 . A radially outwards facing surface of an outer race of spool bearings  230  is fixedly coupled or otherwise coupled with a radially inwards facing surface of spool  20 . A radially inwards facing surface of an inner race of spool bearings  230  is fixedly coupled (e.g., press fit, keyed, etc.) with a radially outwards facing surface of output shaft  214 . 
     Spool  20  can include a central member, a cylindrical member, a central sleeve, a spindle, a shaft, etc., shown as spool shaft  250 . Spool shaft  250  may be a hollow cylindrical member that is integrally formed with spool  20 . Spool shaft  250  includes a radially inwards facing surface  252  and may extend longitudinally along axis  22 . Surface  252  may engage, abut, interface with, fixedly couple with, etc., a radially outwards facing surface of the outer race of spool bearings  230 . 
     Ring member  202  may be fixedly rotatably coupled with input shaft  32  through a first frictional member  232  and a second frictional member  234 . First frictional member  232  and second frictional member  234  are configured to engage, abut, contact, etc., opposite sides of engagement portion  206  of ring member  202  to fixedly couple ring member  202  with input shaft  32 . First frictional member  232  may abut, contact, engage, etc., a first annular member, a first engagement member, a connecting member, etc., shown as first engagement member  236 . Second frictional member  234  may abut, contact, engage, etc., a second annular member, a second engagement member, a connecting member, etc., shown as second engagement member  238 . First engagement member  236  and second engagement member  238  may be rotatably fixedly coupled with input shaft  32 . 
     As input shaft  32  is turned (e.g., by the fisherman&#39;s hand), rotational kinetic energy is transferred from input shaft  32  to ring member  202  through the frictional engagement between frictional members  232  and  234  and engagement portion  206  of ring member  202 . Ring member  202  then rotates with input shaft  32  and drives input planet gears  210  to spin. Input planet gears  210  spin about their respective axes  220 , thereby driving planet gear shaft  216  to spin and driving output planet gear  212  to spin. Output planet gears  212  engage teeth  240  of output shaft  214  so that spinning of output planet gears  212  drives rotation of output shaft  214 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , input shaft  32  can include a step, a shoulder, an annular protrusion, etc., shown as annular protrusion  244 . Annular protrusion  244  is configured to engage second engagement member  238 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  3 - 4 B,  7 - 8 ,  9 , and  12   , spool drive mechanism  100  can include a collar, a sleeve, an annular member, etc., shown as collar  102 . Spool drive mechanism  100  can also include a one-way bearing, a sprag clutch, a sprag bearing, a trapped bearing, etc., shown as one-way bearing  104 . One-way bearing  104  may facilitate or allow rotation of input shaft  32  in direction  24  about axis  22  but prevent, restrict, or facilitate preventing rotation of input shaft  32  about axis  22  in a direction opposite direction  24 . 
     One-way bearing  104  can be rotatably coupled with collar  102  so that one-way bearing  104  is supported by collar  102  on input shaft  32 . Collar  102  may be rotatably fixedly coupled with input shaft  32  such that collar  102  rotates or turns with input shaft  32 . In some embodiments, one-way bearing  104  is fixedly rotatably coupled with first body member  28  so that first body member  28  can provide reactionary force to input shaft  32  through one-way bearing  104  and collar  102  to prevent or facilitate preventing turning input shaft  32  in a direction opposite direction  24 . 
     When input shaft  32  is turned in direction  24 , input shaft  32  drives ring member  202  which spins input planet gears  210  about their respective axes  220 . Input planet gears  210  drive planet gear shafts  216  and output planet gears  212  to spin about axes  220 . Output planet gears  212  then drive output shaft  214  to rotate about axis  22 . One-way bearing  104  may allow turning of input shaft  32  in direction  24 . Turning input shaft  32  in direction  24  drives input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and output planet gears  212  to spin about their respective axes  220  in direction  246 . Spinning of input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and output planet gears  212  about axes  220  in direction  246  drives rotation of output shaft  214  in direction  248  about axis  22 . Spool  20  may be rotatably fixedly coupled with output shaft  214  so that spool  20  rotates in direction  248  about axis  22  in unison with rotation of output shaft  214 . In some embodiments, spool  20  and output shaft  214  rotate in direction  248  so that fishing line  26  is taken up or wound onto spool  20 . 
     Spool  20  and output shaft  214  may be prevented from rotating in a direction about axis  22  that is opposite direction  248 . If spool  20  and output shaft  214  are driven to rotate in a direction that is opposite direction  248 , torque may be transferred through spool  20 , output shaft  214 , output planet gears  212 , planet gear shafts  216 , input planet gears  210 , ring member  202 , and input shaft  32 . One-way bearing  104  may prevent rotation of back-driving of spool  20  and output shaft  214 . In some embodiments, spool  20  and output shaft  214  are selectably coupled such that spool  20  may be free to rotate relative to output shaft  214  (e.g., during let-out of fishing line  26 ), thereby de-coupling spool  20  from one-way bearing  104 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIG.  13   , a schematic diagram of compound gear set  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Compound gear set  200  receives rotational kinetic energy from input shaft  32  (e.g., in direction  24 ) and transfers the rotational kinetic energy to input planet gears  210  such that input planet gears  210  spin about their respective axes  220  in direction  246 . Compound gear set  200  may transfer the rotational kinetic energy from input shaft  32  to input planet gears  210  to spin input planet gears  210  about axes  220  in direction  246 . Input planet gears  210  can rotate about axis  220  while being fixedly coupled with carrier  208 . Carrier  208  is fixedly rotatably coupled such that axes  220  do not rotate relative to axis  22  (e.g., such that input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and output planet gears  212  do not orbit axis  22 ). Input planet gears  210 , planet gear shafts  216 , and output planet gears  212  rotate or spin about axes  220  and drive output shaft  214  through the interface or engagement between output planet gears  212  and teeth  240  of output shaft  214 . Output shaft  214  may be rotatably fixedly coupled with spool  20  so that spool  20  rotates about axis  22 . Spool  20 , output shaft  214 , and input shaft  32  may all be co-axial with each other (e.g., about axis  22 ). 
     Internal Gearing 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , spool  20  is shown in greater detail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Spool  20  may have a generally cylindrical shape including a straight portion, a cylindrical portion, etc., shown as straight portion  298 , and curved outer portions, arcuate outer portions, outer radii, etc., shown as first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264 . Spool  20  is positioned between first body member  28  and second body member  30 . In particular, spool  20  is positioned between first frame member  40  and second frame member  42 . Spool  20  may be centered about axis  22  and extends along a longitudinal direction defined by axis  22  between first frame member  40  and second frame member  42 . 
     Spool  20  also includes a first end, a first side, a proximate end, a proximate side, etc., shown as handle end  274 , and a second end, a second side, a distal end, a distal side, etc., shown as distal end  276 . First curved portion  262  is at handle end  274  of spool  20 , while second curved portion  264  is at distal end  276  of spool  20 . In some embodiments, first curved portion  262  is a portion of spool  20  that is most proximate first frame member  40  or first body member  28 . Likewise, second curved portion  264  is a portion of spool  20  that is most distal first frame member  40  or first body member  28 , or is most proximate second body member  30  or second frame member  42 . 
     Spool  20  may include an inner diameter, an inner distance, an inner radial distance, etc., shown as inner diameter  286 . Inner diameter  286  extends radially relative to axis  22  between an inner surface  256  of spool  20 . In some embodiments, inner surface  256  is a radially inwards facing surface of spool  20 . For example, inner surface  256  may be a cylindrical and radially inwards facing surface of straight portion  298 . Spool  20  also includes an outer diameter, an outer distance, an outer radius, etc., shown as outer diameter  288 . Outer diameter  288  is defined by an outer periphery, an outer edge, an outer surface, etc., of spool  20 . For example, outer diameter  288  may be defined as a distance that extends between a radially outermost surface, periphery, edge, etc., of spool  20 . In some embodiments, the radially outermost surface, periphery, edge, etc., of spool  20  is defined by first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264 . For example, first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264  may curve radially outwards from straight portion  298  of spool  20  to define outer diameter  288 . 
     Spool  20  has an overall longitudinal length  278  that extends between longitudinally opposite peripheries, edges, surfaces, faces, ends, etc., of spool  20 . In some embodiments, overall longitudinal length  278  is greater than a longitudinal length  280  of straight portion  298 . Longitudinal length  280  of straight portion  298  may extend between points on spool  20  where first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264  begin. For example, first curved portion  262  may begin at handle end  274  of straight portion  298  while second curved portion  264  may begin at distal end  276  of straight portion  298 . A first axis  282  extends radially through axis  22  at a longitudinal position along spool  20  where first curved portion  262  begins (e.g., at a transition between straight portion  298  and first curved portion  262 ). A second axis  284  extends radially through axis  22  at a longitudinal position along spool  20  where second curved portion  264  begins (e.g., at a transition between straight portion  298  and second curved portion  264 ). In some embodiments, first axis  282  extends radially through axis  22  at handle end  274  of straight portion  298 . In some embodiments, second axis  284  extends radially through axis  22  at distal end  276  of straight portion  298 . In some embodiments, first axis  282  extends radially through axis  22  at a longitudinal position of an apex of first curved portion  262 . In some embodiments, second axis extends radially through axis  22  at a longitudinal position of an apex of second curved portion  262 . 
     Spool  20  also defines a first outer axis  270 , and a second outer axis  272 . First outer axis  270  and second outer axis  272  extend radially through axis  22  at longitudinally outer edges, peripheries, surfaces, etc., of spool  20 . For example, first outer axis  270  may extend radially through axis  22  at a longitudinally handle-most position, periphery, edge, surface, etc., of spool  20 . For example, first outer axis  270  may be defined as an axis that extends radially through axis  22  at handle end  274  of first curved portion  262 . Likewise, second outer axis  272  may extend radially through axis  22  at a longitudinally distal position, periphery, edge, surface, etc., of spool  20 . In some embodiments, second outer axis  272  extends radially through axis  22  at distal end  276  of second curved portion  264 . 
     It should be understood that any of first axis  282 , second axis  284 , first outer axis  270 , and second outer axis  272  may define a plane. Any of the planes defined by first axis  282 , second axis  284 , first outer axis  270 , and second outer axis  272  may be perpendicular to axis  22 . 
     Spool  20  also includes a radially extending central axis  288 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, central axis  288  extends radially through axis  22  at a longitudinal center position of spool  20 . For example, central axis  288  may be equidistant longitudinally from both first axis  282  and second axis  284 . In some embodiments, central axis  288  is equidistant longitudinally from both first outer axis  270  and second outer axis  272 . 
     Spool  20  includes a central member, a central frame member, a radially extending support member, a support member, etc., shown as central member  260 . Central member  260  extends radially between inner surface  256  of straight portion  298  of spool  20  and a radially outwards facing surface  258  of spool shaft  250 . In some embodiments, central member  260  is longitudinally positioned along spool  20  at a central position of spool  20 . For example, central member  260  may extend along central axis  288 . In other embodiments, central member  260  is longitudinally offset (e.g., towards handle end  274  or towards distal end  276 ) along spool  20 . In some embodiments, central axis  288  is defined as an axis that extends radially through axis  22  through central member  260 . Central member  260  provides structural support between outer portions of spool  20  (e.g., between straight portion  298 , first curved portion  262 , and second curved portion  264 ) and spool shaft  250 . 
     Central member  260  includes a first surface  306 , and a second surface  308 . First surface  306  and second surface  308  are spaced longitudinally apart along axis  22 . First surface  306  faces handle end  274  of spool  20 , while second surface  308  faces distal end  276  of spool  20 . Straight portion  298  may be defined or divided into two straight portions. For example, straight portion  298  may be divided into a first straight portion and a second straight portion by central member  260  and/or by central axis  288 . The first portion of straight portion  298  is proximate handle end  274 , first body member  28 , and/or first frame member  40 . The second portion of straight portion  298  is proximate distal end  276 , second body member  30 , and/or second frame member  42 . 
     Spool shaft  250  may also be defined by or divided into two portions by central member  260  and/or central axis  288 . For example, spool shaft  250  may be divided into a first or proximate portion that is proximate handle end  274  of spool  20  (e.g., on a handle-side of central member  260  and/or central axis  288 ) and a second or distal portion that is proximate distal end  276  of spool  20  (e.g., on an opposite side of central member  260 ). In some embodiments, the first portion of spool shaft  250  has a longitudinal length  290  that is defined between a longitudinally outer periphery, a longitudinally outer edge, a longitudinally outer surface, a longitudinally outer most portion, a handle end  274 , etc., of spool shaft  250  or an end of spool shaft  250  that is most proximate handle  36 , first body member  28 , first frame member  40 , etc., and first surface  306 . In some embodiments, the second portion of spool shaft  250  has a longitudinal length  290  that is defined between a longitudinally outer periphery, a longitudinally outer edge, a longitudinally outer surface, a longitudinally outer most portion, a distal end  276 , etc., of spool shaft  250  or an end of spool shaft  250  that is most proximate second body member  30 , second frame member  42 , etc. 
     In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4 A ), longitudinal length  292  of the second portion of spool shaft  250  is greater than longitudinal length  290 . In other embodiments, longitudinal length  292  is less than longitudinal length  290 . In still other embodiments, longitudinal length  292  and longitudinal length  290  are substantially equal to each other. 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , spool  20  defines a first inner volume, a first area, a first space, etc., shown as first inner volume  294 , and a second inner volume, a second area, a second space, etc., shown as second inner volume  296 . First inner volume  294  is an inner volume defined by spool  20  that is on handle end  274  of central member  260 . Second inner volume  296  is an inner volume defined by spool  20  that is on distal end  276  of central member  260 . First inner volume  294  can be defined as areas, spaces, or volumes within spool  20  and may be defined by a radial axis extending through handle end  274  of spool shaft  250 , radially outwards surface  250  of the first portion of spool shaft  250 , first surface  306 , inner surface  256  of the first portion of straight portion  298  and first curved portion  262 , and first outer axis  270  (or by a plane that is perpendicular with axis  22  and is defined by first outer axis  270 ). Second inner volume  296  may be defined as areas, spaces, or volumes within spool  20  defined by a radial axis extending through distal end  276  of spool shaft  250 , radially outwards facing surface  258  of spool shaft  250 , second surface  308 , inner surface  256  of the second portion of straight portion  298  and second curved portion  264 , and second outer axis  272 . 
     In some embodiments, first inner volume  294  is further divided into a first sub-volume  302  and a second sub-volume  304 . First sub-volume  302  may be portions of first inner volume  294  that lie between central axis  288  and first axis  282 . Second sub-volume  304  may be portions of first inner volume  294  that lie between first outer axis  270  and first axis  282 . For example, first sub-volume  302  can be any inner volumes or spaces of spool  20  that are between first surface  306  and first axis  282  (e.g., at the transition between straight portion  298  and first curved portion  262 ). Second sub-volume  304  can be any spaces, inner volumes, voids, etc., within spool  20  that are between first axis  282  and first outer axis  270  (e.g., within spool  20  along first curved portion  262 ). 
     Referring particularly to  FIG.  4 B , compound gear set  200  is positioned within first inner volume  294  of spool  20 . In some embodiments, compound gear set  200  is positioned partially within first inner volume  294  of spool  20 . In other embodiments, compound gear set  200  is positioned completely within first inner volume  294  of spool  20 . Compound gear set  200  can include various components that are positioned completely within first sub-volume  302 , other components that are positioned completely within second sub-volume  304 , and/or other components that are positioned at a transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , carrier  208  can be positioned within first sub-volume  302 . In some embodiments, carrier  208  is completely positioned within first sub-volume  302 . For example, carrier  208  can be positioned between first axis  282  and central axis  288 . Carrier  208  can be positioned at a longitudinal position along the first portion of straight portion  298  of spool  20 . In some embodiments, carrier  208  is positioned at a longitudinal centerpoint of first sub-volume  302 . In other embodiments, carrier  208  is offset from the longitudinal centerpoint of first sub-volume  302  (e.g., is closer to handle end  274  of first sub-volume  302  or is closer to distal end  276  of first sub-volume  302 ). In some embodiments, carrier  208  is positioned at a longitudinal centerpoint of first inner volume  294 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , planet gear shafts  216  extend through first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . In some embodiments, planet gear shafts  216  are completely positioned within first inner volume  294 . For example, a first, proximate, or handle facing end of planet gear shafts  216  may terminate within second sub-volume  304 , while a second, distal, or opposite end of planet gear shafts  216  may terminate within first sub-volume  302 . In some embodiments, the first end of planet gear shafts  216  terminates, ends, or lies at the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . For example, the first end of planet gear shafts  216  may terminate substantially at first axis  282 . In some embodiments, the first end of planet gear shafts  216  terminates or extends up to an outermost periphery, edge, border, etc., of second sub-volume  304  (e.g., at first outer axis  270 ). In still other embodiments, the first end of planet gear shafts  216  terminates at a position beyond the outermost border of second sub-volume  304  (e.g., at a longitudinal position that is beyond handle  36  or beyond first outer axis  270 ). Planet gear shafts  216  may extend across, intersect, etc., the transition between the first sub-volume  302  and the second sub-volume  304 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , input planetary gears  210  are positioned at the first ends of planet gear shafts  216 . In some embodiments, input planetary gears  210  are press fit, keyed, etc., or otherwise rotatably fixedly coupled with planet gear shafts  216  at the first ends of planet gear shafts  216 . In some embodiments, input planetary gears  210  are integrally formed with the first ends of planet gear shafts  216 . 
     Input planetary gears  210  may be positioned within first inner volume  294 . In some embodiments, input planetary gears  210  are positioned at the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . For example, input planetary gears  210  can be positioned longitudinally such that input planetary gears  210  intersect with or lie along first axis  282 . In some embodiments, a portion of input planetary gears  210  is positioned within second sub-volume  304  while another portion of input planetary gears  210  is positioned within first sub-volume  302 . In some embodiments, input planetary gears  210  are positioned longitudinally such that first axis  282  extends through a longitudinal centerpoint of input planetary gears  210 . In other embodiments, input planetary gears  210  are positioned longitudinally such that first axis  282  extends through a portion of input planetary gears  210  that is offset from the longitudinal center of input planetary gears  210 . For example, a portion of input planetary gears  210  that lies within first sub-volume  302  may have a longitudinal length that is substantially equal to, greater than, or less than, a longitudinal length of a portion of input planetary gears  210  that lies within second sub-volume  304 . In other embodiments, planet gear shafts  216  have a longitudinal length such that input planetary gears  210  lie completely within first sub-volume  302 . In other embodiments, planet gear shafts  216  have a longitudinal length such that input planetary gears  210  lie completely within second sub-volume  304 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , output shaft  214  may extend through both first inner volume  294  and second inner volume  296 . In some embodiments, output shaft  214  extends into and terminates within first sub-volume  294 . For example, teeth  240  can be positioned completely within first sub-volume  302 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , ring member  202  can extend partially into first inner volume  294 . For example, ring gear portion  204  of ring member  202  may lie completely within first inner volume  294 , while engagement portion  206  is outside of first inner volume  294 . In some embodiments, engagement portion  206  is positioned within an inner volume that is defined by first body member  28 . Engagement portion  206  may extend into first sub-volume  302  such that a portion of engagement portion  206  lies within first sub-volume  302  while another part of engagement portion  206  lies within second sub-volume  304 . In some embodiments, engagement portion  206  intersects, crosses, extends through, etc., the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . In some embodiments, engagement portion  206  is completely positioned within first sub-volume  302 . In other embodiments, engagement portion  206  is completely positioned within second sub-volume  304 . In some embodiments, engagement portion  206  terminates at the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . For example, a longitudinally facing surface of engagement portion  206  that faces central axis  288  may intersect the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304  (e.g., first axis  282 ). In some embodiments, ring member  202  is completely positioned within first inner volume  294 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , body member  44  can extend at least partially into first inner volume  294 . In some embodiments, body member  44  extends longitudinally across or through second sub-volume  304 , and terminates in first sub-volume  302 . Inner body member  254  may be fixedly coupled or integrally formed with body member  44  and can be positioned completely within first sub-volume  302 . In some embodiments, body member  44  extends longitudinally past first curved portion  262  and along at least a portion of straight portion  298  of spool  20 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 B , flange member  218  is positioned at least partially within first inner volume  294 . Flange member  218  can include a radially extending portion  310 , and a longitudinally extending portion  312 . Radially extending portion  310  may extend longitudinally across first outer axis  270  (e.g., into second sub-volume  304 , past the outer periphery of handle end  274  of spool  20 ). Longitudinally extending portion  312  may extend across the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . 
     Input shaft  32  may also extend into first inner volume  294  of spool  20 . In some embodiments, input shaft  32  terminates or ends at the transition between first sub-volume  302  and second sub-volume  304 . In other embodiments, input shaft  32  terminates within first sub-volume  302 . In still other embodiments, input shaft  32  terminates within second sub-volume  304 . 
     Advantageously, at least a portion of compound gear set  200  is positioned within first inner volume  294  of spool  20 , thereby facilitating a more compact reel  12 . The various components of compound gear set  200  may be translationally fixedly coupled with first body member  28 , first structural member  40 , and/or body member  44 . Spool  20  may function as both a fishing line retrieval, storage, and let-out apparatus in addition to enclosing, protecting, etc., components of compound gear set  200 . It should be understood that while spool  20  is shown and described as including first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264 , spool  20  can be a substantially hollow cylindrical, barrel, or spool member that does not include first curved portion  262  and second curved portion  264 . 
     Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claim. 
     It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claim.