Abstract:
A fishing reel has a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. The operating mechanism includes a spool assembly mounted to the frame for rotation around a first axis to direct fishing line onto the spool assembly. The operating mechanism also includes a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake surface on the frame, a brake weight with a brake weight surface, and a first mechanism for mounting the brake weight to the spool assembly for movement between a) a first position wherein the brake weight surface on the brake weight is urged against the brake surface on the frame to generate a first braking force as an incident of the spool assembly rotating at a first predetermined velocity and b) a second position wherein the brake weight surface on the brake weight is not urged against the brake surface on the frame to generate a braking force as large as the first braking force. Additionally, the brake assembly further includes a selector that is operable remotely from the brake weight placeable selectively in a first and a second state for i) preventing the brake weight from moving from the second position into the first position as the spool assembly is rotated at the first predetermined velocity with the selector in the first state and ii) allowing the brake weight to move from the second position into the first position as the spool assembly is rotated at the first predetermined velocity with the selector in the second state.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a centrifugal brake for a fishing reel. In particular, the present invention is directed to a centrifugal brake having an adjustable braking force. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Centrifugal brakes are commonly used to prevent backlash in bait casting reels. These bait casting reels conventionally have a frame including a reel cover surrounding and enclosing an operating mechanism. As part of the operating mechanism, the centrifugal brake will include one or more brake weights, each mounted to a line-carrying spool assembly for rotation with the spool assembly about a central axis and for movement radially relative to the central axis as an incident of centrifugal forces produced by rotation of the spool assembly being developed thereon. Each of the brake weights has a brake weight surface at a distal radial end of the brake weight. During operation of the brake system, the brake weights rotate with the spool assembly and translate freely radially until the brake weight surface contacts a brake surface on the reel frame, whereupon the friction force generated between the brake weight surface and the brake surface slows the rotation of the spool. 
     Commonly, the brake weights are not restricted in their radially movement until the brake pad contacts the brake surface. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,321 to Roberts. Consequently, when the centrifugal force is great enough, all of the weights will contact the brake surface. The result is that only a single level of braking force is achievable. 
     However, it may be desirable to be able to vary the braking force such that different levels of braking force are achievable. For example, it may be desirable to be able to vary the level of braking force to compensate for difference in line weight. 
     One system and method used to provide variable braking force includes providing brake weights of various masses which are selectively attachable to and removable from the spool assembly. Accordingly, to decrease the braking force, the weights originally attached to the spool are replaced with weights of a lower total mass. By contrast, to increase the braking force, the original weights are replaced with weights having a higher total mass. 
     This system and method for providing variable braking force has several significant drawbacks. First, the selection of the proper sized weight to generate the proper braking force may be a relatively complicated process, and not easily performed by the novice angler. Second, once the weights have been detached from the spool, it is very easy for the weights to become misplaced or lost because of their small size. Third, at least a portion of the reel body and at least a portion of the operating mechanism of the reel may need to be removed, which step may also not be easily performed by the novice angler, or even the experience angler if performed in the field. Fourth, the removal of the reel body exposes the operating mechanism of the reel to contamination, for example from water and dirt. These contaminants can cause the performance of the reel to be degraded over time, leading to a shorter reel life. 
     An alternative system and method for providing variable braking force has been suggested wherein the brake weights remain attached to the spool at all times, but the radial motion of the brake weights is selectively restricted to vary the braking force. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,356,090 and 5,372,324 to Sato and U.K. Patent No. 2,257,882 to Nakajima. According to this method, one or more brake weights are disposed on a radial arm for unrestricted radial movement along the arm in a first braking state. In a second braking state, the radial movement of one or more of the weights is restricted by a radial stop which is fixed at a specific radial distance relative to the spool. In the second braking state, the number of weights which have their movement restricted by the stop can be varied such that the braking force generated thereby is varied. 
     This system also has significant drawbacks. Again, the function of the system may not be easily understood by the novice angler. Additionally, at least a portion of the reel body must still be disassembled to provide access to the weights for manual manipulation of the weights using the fingertips. Given the small size of the reel, and the limited access to the weights that most of these systems provide, changing the braking force may still be a tedious, labor-intensive activity. The removal of at least a portion of the reel body also allows contaminants to migrate into the operating mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing reel with a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. The operating mechanism includes a spool assembly mounted to the frame for rotation around a first axis to direct fishing line onto the spool assembly. The operating mechanism also includes a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake surface on the frame, a brake weight with a brake weight surface, and a first mechanism for mounting the brake weight to the spool assembly for movement between a) a first position wherein the brake weight surface on the brake weight is urged against the brake surface on the frame to generate a first braking force as an incident of the spool assembly rotating at a first predetermined velocity and b) a second position wherein the brake weight surface on the brake weight is not urged against the brake surface on the frame to generate a braking force as large as the first braking force. Additionally, the brake assembly further includes a selector that is operable remotely from the brake weight and placeable selectively in a first and a second state for i) preventing the brake weight from moving from the second position into the first position as the spool assembly is rotated at the first predetermined velocity with the selector in the first state and ii) allowing the brake weight to move from the second position into the first position as the spool assembly is rotated at the first predetermined velocity with the selector in the second state. 
     Therefore, the present invention may provide a system for varying the braking force of a centrifugal brake which is easily understood by the novice angler. 
     The present invention may also provide a system for varying the braking force of a centrifugal brake which is easily performed by the novice angler. 
     The present invention may provide a system for varying the braking force of a centrifugal brake which does not require disassembly of the reel body. 
     The present invention may provide a system for varying the braking force of a centrifugal brake which limits the unrestricted passage of contaminants to the operating mechanism of the reel. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a bait cast fishing reel with a centrifugal braking system according to the present invention incorporated therein; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the bait cast fishing reel of FIG. 1 taken from the side opposite to that of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded cross-sectional view of the fishing reel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken about line  3 — 3  in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the inventive braking system including brake weights, a brake weight carrier, a brake force selection mechanism and a brake cover; 
     FIGS.  4   a-i  are enlarged, partial side elevation views of the inventive brake system with the brake force selection mechanism and brake cover removed to show the various arrangements of brake weights achievable with the fishing reel in FIGS.  1 - 3 ; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial side elevation view of a brake force selection mechanism for use in the fishing reel in FIGS.  1 - 3  and showing a race for guiding the brake weights into the different arrangements shown in FIGS.  4   a-i;    
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a modified form of bait cast fishing reel with the present invention incorporated therein; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the fishing reel in FIG. 6, taken from the side opposite that in FIG. 6, with a pivotable side cover partially open to expose a brake force selection mechanism; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded cross-sectional view of the fishing reel in FIGS. 6 and 7 taken about line  8 — 8  in FIGS. 6 and 7 and with the pivotable side cover removed; 
     FIG.  8   a  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a brake weight mounting with a brake arm having a bore with a brake weight extending partially into the bore; 
     FIGS.  9   a-c  are enlarged, partial side elevation views showing various arrangements of brake weights achievable using the fishing reel in FIGS.  6 - 8 ; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a connector used to secure a pivotable switch cover to a fixed reel cover in the fishing reel in FIGS.  6 - 9 , taken about line  10 — 10  in FIG. 7; and 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a brake force selection mechanism for use in the fishing reel in FIGS.  6 - 9 , taken about line  11 — 11  in FIG.  7 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS.  1 - 5  show a first embodiment of the present invention for a remotely operable centrifugal brake, incorporated into a bait casting fishing reel, is indicated as  20 . As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , the fishing reel  20  includes a shaft  22  to which is fixedly mounted a line-carrying spool  24 . The shaft  22  is part of a reel operating mechanism  25  that is mounted to a reel frame  26 . The ends  28 ,  29  of the shaft  22  are supported on the frame  26  through bearings  30  so that the shaft  22  and the spool  24 , preferably having a common axis of symmetry  32 , are rotatable about the axis  32 . 
     The end  28  of the shaft  22  is driveably engaged by a gear train  34  on the operating mechanism  25 , which in turn is attached to a handle  36 , shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 . The gear train  34  engages the end  28  of the shaft  22  such that in a first, retrieve state an angular displacement of the handle  36  in the clockwise direction  38  (shown in FIG. 1) causes the shaft  22  and the spool  24  to rotate counter-clockwise (with reference to FIG. 1) about the axis  32 . The operating mechanism  25  may include a conventional anti-reverse mechanism (not shown) which prevents the handle  36  from being displaced in a counter-clockwise direction in the retrieve state. The operating mechanism  25  also includes a conventional mechanism (not shown) for disengaging the gear train  34  from the shaft  22  in a second, casting state to allow the shaft  22  and the spool  24  to rotate about the axis  32  unrestricted by the action of the gear train  34 . 
     The end  29  of the shaft  22  is attached to a centrifugal brake system  40  of the present invention, that is also part of the operating mechanism  25 . The centrifugal brake system  40  is used to control rotation of the spool  24  about the axis  32  with the reel in the casting state. The brake system  40  sits in a receptacle  42  defined by the frame  26 , which includes a reel casing or reel cover  44 . The brake system  40  has three major parts: a brake-weight carrier  46 , a brake force selection mechanism or selector  48 , and a brake cover  50 . 
     The axially distal portion of the end  29  of the preferably substantially cylindrical shaft  22  is stepped to define an annular shoulder  52  which cooperates with a facing shoulder  54  formed about a bore  56  through the brake weight carrier  46  so as to seat the brake weight carrier  46  at a specific distance along the shaft  22  from the reel frame  26 . The shaft end  29  is keyed to the weight carrier  46  by providing flats  57  on the surface thereof and a complementary shape for the bore  56 . Thus disposed on the shaft  22 , the brake weight carrier  46  is caused to rotate about the axis  32  at a predetermined axial location. 
     The brake weight carrier  46  is of generally cylindrical shape and annular cross-section, and has an external surface  58  on which is formed a flange  60 . The flange  60  defines an outwardly axially facing shoulder  62  which fits within a first groove  64  formed about the perimeter of a bore  66  formed in the selector  48  and abuts to a surface  65  at the base of the groove  64  so as to position the selector  48  axially relative to the brake weight carrier  46  and the shaft  22  in an operative position. 
     The axial operative position of the selector  48  is maintained within allowable tolerances by disposing the brake cover  50  along the shaft  22  such that an inwardly axially depending flange  68  of the brake cover  50  cooperates with a second groove  70  formed about the perimeter of the bore  66  and abuts to a shoulder  71  at the base thereof. Radially inward from the flange  68  is formed a preferably threaded socket  72  which protrudes through the bore  66  formed in the selector  48  with the flange  68  abutted to the surface  71 . The socket  72  can be used to releasably secure the brake cover  50  to an axially distal, preferably threaded portion of the end  29 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the brake system  40  thus assembled, the reel cover  44  is attached to the frame  26  of the reel  20  with a base edge  74  of the reel cover  44  abutting an axially outwardly facing surface  76  of the frame  26 . The selector  48  and brake cover  50  extend axially outward through an opening  78  formed in a wall  80  of the reel cover  44 . The reel cover  44  is preferably secured to the frame  26  by passing one or more (preferably three) threaded pins  82  through passages (not shown) formed in the frame  26  and the reel cover  44 , and securing the threaded ends  83  of the pins  82  in threaded sockets  84  (one of which is shown in FIG. 3) formed in the reel cover  44 . 
     While limited in movement axially along the shaft  22  by the flanges  60 ,  68 , the selector  48 , unlike the brake weight carrier  46  and brake cover  50 , is not substantially fixedly secured in its angular position relative to the shaft  22 . Rather, the selector  48  is selectively rotatable about the axis  32 . The angular position of the selector  48  relative to the shaft  22 , the spool  24 , the brake cover  50  and most particularly the brake weight carrier  46 , is maintained by a plurality of detent locking mechanisms  87  carried on the outer surface  58  of the brake weight carrier  46  and the inner surface  86  of the selector  48 . 
     Specifically, a ball  88  is maintained in a radially outwardly biased state relative to the central axis  32  by a spring  90  in a receptacle  92 . The ball  88  is biased by the action of the spring  90  into one of a plurality of recesses  94  formed in the selector  48 . Until a sufficient torque is applied to the selector  48  to force the balls  88  radially inward into the receptacles  92 , the positioning of the balls  88  at least in part in both the receptacles  92  and the recesses  94  will prevent the rotation of the selector  48  relative to the brake weight carrier  46 , the brake cover  50  and the shaft  22 . 
     The selector  48  cooperates with the brake weight carrier  46 , and more specifically a plurality of brake weights  96  attached to the brake weight carrier  46 , to control the brake force of the brake system  40  in the following manner. A plurality of cylindrically-shaped, brake weight arms  98 , in this case four in number, are equally spaced around the outer surface  58  and project therethrough to be secured in apertures  99  formed in the brake weight carrier  46 . Each brake weight arm  98  preferably supports a single brake weight  96  such that the brake weight  96  is rotatable with the brake weight carrier  46  and the shaft  22 , but is also moveable radially relative to the axis  32 . Particularly, each brake weight  96  has a cylindrical bore  100  formed therethrough, and the brake weight  96  is disposed on the brake weight arm  98  so that the brake weight arm  98  is disposed at least partially in the bore  100 . 
     The radially outward motion of the brake weight  96  is limited in the radial direction by a brake surface  102  attached to an inner surface  104  of the wall  80  of the reel cover  44 . The brake surface  102  is generally cylindrical in shape and annular in cross-section. The brake surface  102  is positioned in the reel cover  44  such that an edge  106  of the brake surface  102  abuts against a shoulder  108  of the reel cover  44 . Preferably, the brake surface  102  is secured to the reel cover  44  using an adhesive, for example, although the brake surface  102  could also be formed as one piece with the reel cover  44 . 
     With the selector  48  disposed in its operative position axially along the shaft  22 , the radially outward motion of the brake weight  96  is further limited by the cooperation of a protrusion or flange  110  formed preferably integrally with the brake weight  96  and a race  112  formed in the axially inwardly facing surface  114  of the selector  48 . The race  112  has a radially inner wall  116  and a radially outer wall  118 . With the brake system  40  assembled and the selector  48  in its axial operative position, the protrusion  110  is disposed within the race  112  so that the protrusion  110  is moveable radially in a limited range between the inner wall  116  and the outer wall  118 . With the outer wall  118  positioned substantially radially inward from the brake surface  102 , the contact of the brake weight  96 , and particularly a brake weight surface  120  formed at a distal end  122  of the brake weight  96 , with the brake surface  102  can be prevented or limited. 
     As can be seen with reference to FIG.  4   a-i  and FIG. 5, the race  112  is shaped such that each of the brake weights  96  can either contact the brake surface  102 , i.e. the brake weight  96  is “on”, or each of the brake weights  96  is prevented from contacting the brake surface  102 , i.e. the brake weight  96  is “off”. Furthermore, preferably, the brake weights  96  are of two different masses (indicated as  96 ′ and  96 ″) and are disposed about the axis  32  such that weights  96  of equal mass are disposed in the same line, while brake weights  96  of different masses are disposed at 90° to each other. Below is a table summarizing the different positions achievable with the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 brake 
                 brake 
                 brake 
                 brake 
               
               
                   
                 brake force 
                 weight 
                 weight 
                 weight 
                 weight 
               
               
                   
                 setting 
                 96′(1) 
                 96′(2) 
                 96″(1) 
                 96″(2) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 (FIG. 4a) 
                 on 
                 on 
                 on 
                 on 
               
               
                   
                 2 (FIG. 4b) 
                 on 
                 on 
                 on 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 3 (FIG. 4c) 
                 on 
                 on 
                 off 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 4 (FIG. 4d) 
                 on 
                 off 
                 on 
                 on 
               
               
                   
                 5 (FIG. 4e) 
                 on 
                 off 
                 on 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 6 (FIG. 4f) 
                 on 
                 off 
                 off 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 7 (FIG. 4g) 
                 off 
                 off 
                 on 
                 on 
               
               
                   
                 8 (FIG. 4h) 
                 off 
                 off 
                 off 
                 on 
               
               
                   
                 9 (FIG. 4i) 
                 off 
                 off 
                 off 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     To improve the user-friendliness of the brake system  40 , the exposed, axially distal ends of the selector  48  and the brake cover  50  protruding from the opening  78  in the reel cover  44  and outside the receptacle  42  are marked with a numeric symbol or plurality of numeric symbols  124  and an indicator arrow symbol  126 , respectively. The numeric symbols  124  and the arrow symbol  126  may be embossed or painted on the externally exposed surfaces of the selector  48  and the brake cover  50  to provide a graphical or numerical display to the angler. 
     In operation, the adjustment of the braking force is performed by an angler in the following manner without directly accessing the brake weights  96 , and without removing the reel cover  44  from the frame  26 . While limiting rotation of the shaft  22  about the axis  32  by holding the handle  36  substantially angularly fixed relative to the frame  26 , the selector  48  is rotated with a sufficient torque to force the balls  88  radially inwardly into the receptacles  92  and slide the surface  86  past the balls  88 . With the balls  88  depressed into the receptacles  92  and contained therein by the surface  86 , the selector  48  is rotatable relative to the brake weight carrier  46 , the brake cover  50  and the shaft  22  until the balls  88  are again aligned with the recesses  94 . Once the balls  88  have been realigned with the recesses  94 , an additional torque may be applied to the selector  48  if additional rotation of the selector  48  relative to the brake weight carrier  46 , brake cover  50  and shaft  22  is desired. 
     The change in angular position of the selector  48  relative to the brake cover  50  caused by the application of the torque to the selector  48  causes a relative movement between the numeric symbols  124  and the arrow symbol  126 . Correspondingly, the inner and outer race walls  116 ,  118  contact the protrusions  110  of the brake weights  96  to move one or more of the brake weights  96  radially inwardly or outwardly along the brake weight arms  98 . For example, the rotation of the selector  48  relative to the brake cover  50 , as indicated by the movement of the arrow symbol  126  from the numeric symbol  124  “4” to the numeric symbol  124  “3”, corresponds to the movement of three of the brake weights  96  between the “on” and the “off” positions. 
     Thus, it may be possible to change the number of brake weights  96  which are contactable with the brake surface  102  without directly accessing the brake weights  96 , removing the reel housing  50 , or manually displacing the individual brake weights  96 . Instead, the brake weights  96  are remotely adjusted between “on” and “off” positions in a manner which may be easily understood to the novice and seasoned angler alike. To aid in the simplicity of operation, the numerical symbols  124  alternatively may be replaced by a symbol  124  “BRAKE ON” at a first angular position along the external surface of the selector  48 , a symbol  124  “BRAKE OFF” at a second angular position along the external surface of the selector  48  spaced from the first angular position, and an arrow symbol  124  which indicates that increasing brake force is generated by moving the selector  48  clockwise relative to the brake weight carrier  46 , brake cover  50  and the shaft  22  as shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow  128 . 
     An alternative embodiment of the brake system  40  is shown in FIGS.  6 - 11  in a bait casting reel  129 . The reel  129  has a rotatable shaft  130  with axial ends  132 ,  134  mounted through bearings  136  to a frame  138 . 
     The end  132  is driveably engaged by a gear train  140 , which in turn is attached to a handle  142 , shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 . In a retrieve state, movement of the handle  142  from a first angular position to a second angular position causes the shaft  130  to rotate about a central axis  144 . A line-carrying spool  146  is secured to the shaft  130  such that rotation of the shaft  130  in the retrieve state causes rotation of the spool  146 . As explained above, the operating mechanism for the reel  129  preferably also includes a mechanism (not shown) which disengages the gear train  140  from the shaft  130  in a casting state, so that the spool  146  and shaft  130  may rotate about the axis  144  unrestricted by the gear train  140 . 
     The modified brake system  40  used to limit the speed of rotation of the spool  146  and shaft  130  around the axis  144  is shown in FIGS.  7 - 9  and  11 . The brake system  40  includes a brake weight carrier  148  and a brake force selection mechanism or selector switch  150 . The brake weight carrier  148  and at least at portion of the selection switch  150  are disposed in a receptacle  152  defined by the frame  138 , including a reel cover  156  thereon. 
     The brake weight carrier  148  is secured to the shaft  130  so that the carrier  148  is spaced from an outwardly axially facing surface  154  of the frame  138 . The secure attachment of the brake weight carrier  148  to the shaft  130  may be made by any means known in the art, but preferably the spacing of the brake weight carrier  148  from the external surface  154  of the frame  138  is maintained by the cooperation of a shoulder  158  around a bore  160  formed in the brake weight carrier  148  and a shoulder  162  formed on the axially distal end  134  of the shaft  130 . 
     The selector switch  150 , which can be seen in FIGS.  7 - 9  and  11 , is disposed to pass through an opening  164  in a wall  166  of the reel cover  156  and to project into the receptacle  152 . Particularly, the selector switch  150  includes an external switch  168 , a washer or spacer  170 , a brake weight retractor  172 , a biasing mechanism (preferably a spring)  174  and a threaded fastener  176 . On an axially outwardly facing side of the wall  166 , the fastener  176  is disposed through and secured to the external switch  168  and the spacer  170 . On the other side of the reel cover wall  166 , the spring  174  is placed around a first, cylindrical, shaft-like portion  178  of the brake weight retractor  172 , which shaft portion  178  is then attached to the fastener  176  by threading the fastener  176  into a threaded receptacle  180 . The selector switch  150 , thus assembled, is capable of rotation about the axis  182  between first and second angular positions. 
     The range of angular motion of the selector switch  150  about the axis  182  can be limited by placing a pair of stops  179  which abut to the switch  150  at the limits of the desired range of angular motion for the selector switch  150 . Additionally, motion of the selection switch  150  within the range of angular motion defined by the stops  179  is further restricted by a detent locking mechanism including a plurality of projections  181  (preferably three) and a recess  183  for the projection  181  formed in the external switch  168 . Particularly, with one of the projections  181  at least partially disposed in the recess  183 , the switch  150  will be fixed in one of a number of predetermined angular positions, for example, corresponding to an “ON” or “OFF” position as is explained in greater detail below. With the application of sufficient force to the external switch  168 , the projection  181  will be forced through and out of the recess  183 , such that the switch  150  is rotatable until one of the other projections  181  aligns with the recess  183 . 
     With a base edge of the reel cover  156  abutting and secured to the external surface  154  of the frame  138  and the brake weight carrier  148  secured for rotation about the axis  144 , the brake weight retractor  172  cooperates with a flange  184  formed integrally with the brake weights  186  to limit the range of radial motion of the brake weights  186  in the following manner. The brake weights  186  are attached to the brake weight mounting  148  to be rotatable with the brake weight mounting  148  about the axis  144  and moveable radially relative to the axis  144 . Preferably, the brake weights  186  are mounted on cylindrical brake weight arms  188 , in this case four in number, being equally spaced and secured to the brake weight mounting  148  in apertures  189 . The brake weights  186  have a bore  190  formed therethrough, and the brake arms  188  are disposed at least partially in the bore  190  so that the brake weights  186  are rotatable with the brake weight mounting  148  and moveable radially along the brake weight arms  188 . Outward radial movement of the brake weights  186  is limited by a brake surface  192 , which is attached to an interior surface  194  of the reel housing  156 . 
     The outward radial motion of the brake weights  188  is also limited in part by the selector switch  150 , and particularly the brake weight retractor  172 . The brake weight retractor  172  is positionable to cooperate with the brake weight flange  184  so as to apply a force to the brake weight flange  184  to cause the brake weight  186  to move inward radially, and thereby to prevent or limit the contact force between the brake weight  186 , and more particularly a brake weight surface  196  on the radially distal end  198  of the brake weight  186 , and the brake surface  192 . 
     As shown in greater detail in FIGS.  9   a-c , the brake weights  188  are disposed in two different orientations along the brake arms  188 , a first orientation  200 ′ with the brake weight flanges  184  radially outwardly directed and a second orientation  200 ″ with the brake weight flanges  184  radially inwardly directed. The brake weight retractor  172  is formed with a positioning surface  202  for cooperating with the differently oriented brake weight flanges  184  to selectively force all four, two or none of the brake weights  186  radially inward relative to the axis  144 . 
     With the selector switch  150  in the “ON” position (FIG.  9   a ), the positioning surface  202  is positioned so that the brake weight flanges  184  in both orientations  200 ′,  200 ″ pass radially inside of the positioning surface  202 . With the selector switch  150  in the middle position (FIG.  9   b ), the positioning surface  202  cooperates with the brake weight flanges  184  in the orientation  200 ′, and forces the corresponding brake weights  186  inward, preventing or limiting the contact force between these brake weights  186  and the brake surface  192 . In this position, the positioning surface  202  preferably does not contact any of the brake weight flanges  184  in the orientation  200 ″. With the selector switch  150  in the “OFF” position, all four brake weights  186  are forced inward by contact between the positioning surface  202  and the brake weight flanges  184 . 
     Disposed to limit access to the selector switch  150 , and in particular the external switch  168 , is a pivoting switch cover  204 , which has an external surface  206  which mates with the external surface  208  of the reel cover  156  to provide a substantially uniform external surface. The switch cover  204  pivots about a connector  210 , shown in greater detail in FIG. 10, between an open position, wherein the external switch  168  can be manipulated by an angler, and a closed position, wherein the external switch  168  is disposed in a space  211  defined by the external surface  212  of the reel cover wall  166  and an internal surface  213  of the switch cover  204 . Preferably, the switch cover  204  is held in place in the closed position by a locking mechanism (not shown). 
     The connector  210  includes a fastener or rivet  214 , an inner spacer  216 , and outer washer  218  and a removable, preferably flexible plastic, pivot cover  220 . A stepped, cylindrical, hollow shaft  222  is formed from a wall  224  of the switch cover  204 . The shaft  222  acts to space the internal surface  213  of the switch cover  204  from the external surface  212  of the reel cover  156 , and to accommodate the rivet  214  which secures the switch cover  204  to the reel cover  156 . Particularly, the inner spacer  216  is placed into a preferably oval, cylindrical recess  226  made in the wall  166  of the reel cover  156 . The rivet  214  is passed through the inner spacer  216  and the wall  166  through an opening  228  in the wall  166  of the reel cover  156 . The rivet  214  is further disposed through the outer washer  218  and the hollow shaft  222 . With the connector  210  so assembled, the distal end  230  of the rivet is deformed to secure the switch cover  204  to the reel cover  156 . The pivot cover  220  is then placed over the distal end  230  of the rivet  214  in a stepped recess  232  formed in the external surface  206  of the switch cover  204 . 
     In operation, an angler first unlocks the switch cover locking mechanism (not shown) and applies a force to the switch cover  204  so as to pivot the switch cover  204  in a clockwise motion indicated by an arrow  234  (FIG. 7) about the connector  210 . The clockwise pivoting of the switch cover  204  about the connector  210  exposes the selection switch  150 , in particular the external switch  168 , to the angler. The angler may then move the selection switch  150  either clockwise to increase the brake force generated by the brake system  40 , or counter-clockwise to decrease the brake force generated by the brake system  40 . 
     Particularly, the movement of the selection switch  150  in a counter-clockwise direction from, for example, the middle position to the “OFF” position causes the positioning surface  202  to contact the brake weight flanges  184  of all four of the brake weights  186 , thereby causing all of the brake weights  186  to be shifted radially inwardly relative to the axis  144 , thereby limiting the contact force between its brake weights  186  and brake surface  192  or preventing the brake weights  186  from contacting the brake surface  192 . Contrariwise, if the selection switch  150  is moved from the middle position to the “ON” position, the positioning surface  202  is moved out of the path of the brake weights  186 . With the positioning surface  202  moved out of the path of the brake weights  186 , all four brake weights  186  are moveable centrifugally radially relative to the axis  144  such that the brake weights  186  and associated brake weight surfaces  196  may contact the brake surface  192 , thereby slowing the motion of the shaft  130  and spool  146  about the axis  144 . 
     When the proper brake force level has been selected by pivoting the switch  150  to correspond with the desired brake force level, the switch cover  204  is pivoted in a counter-clockwise motion, and secured to the reel cover  156  using the switch cover locking mechanism. The use of the switch cover  204  provides an additional barrier between the brake system  40  and the external environment, and thereby further prevents the infiltration of contaminants into the brake system  40 . 
     Thus, the present invention may eliminate the need to disassemble the reel cover and operating mechanism of a bait casting reel when varying the brake force provided by a centrifugal brake system. Moreover, the remotely operable centrifugal brake system may reduce or eliminate the tedious, time-consuming process of varying the brake weights manually, often through apertures in the reel cover too small for most anglers&#39; fingers. Additionally, the remotely operable centrifugal brake system may reduce or eliminate access paths for dirt and water to infiltrate into the operating mechanism of the reel. Further, the brake system provides a user-friendly interface which makes the process of varying the brake weights more intuitive and easily understood by the novice and experience angler alike. 
     Still other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.