A handle knob with no free play

Abstract

A system is provided for reducing or eliminating free play in a fishing reel handle knob. The system provides several embodiments in which free play is reduced in the handle knob by eliminating the space or gap between the bearing and the threads in the shaft of the handle knob. In one embodiment, a living spring can be used to provide an upward force to push the bearing and threads together and prevent axial movement of the bearing. In an exemplary embodiment, the radial movement of the bearing can be further reduced by adding a protrusion to the inner housing of the knob handle. In another exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric material can provide an upward pressure on a first bearing and a downward pressure on a second bearing. In a final exemplary embodiment, a cap can be placed on the top end of the threads to create a downward pressure and reduce axial free play.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 145,834, filed on February 4, 2021, entitled "HANDLE KNOB WITH NO FREE PLAY", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a handle knob of a fishing reel aimed at reducing the play amount of the handle knob.

Background Art

[0003] As is well known in the art, a handle knob of a fishing reel is generally mounted on a shaft located near the distal end of a handle arm. The handle knob is used to wind up the fishing line after casting. The handle knob is usually axially constrained to the shaft by a rivet, a screw, or a similar fastening device. In many cases, a bearing or a bush is included between the knob and the shaft to reduce friction. In such cases, in order to avoid coupling, the length of the internal shape of the knob between the bearings or bushes cannot be made longer than the distance between the bearings. Due to such a short distance, there is always a gap between the screw and the bearing. This gap causes axial free play in the handle knob assembly. Such axial play may cause discomfort to the operator because the handle may wobble due to the play of the knob and become useless.

[0004] An example of a conventional handle knob 5 using this design is shown in Figure 1. As shown, the handle knob 5 can generally consist of a handle knob 10 attached to a handle arm 15 (partially shown), the handle arm 15 being connected to the handle knob by a shaft 20. The handle knob 10 can vary both in geometric shape and size depending on the embodiment and design. Often, the design of the handle knob 10 can be adapted to different ergonomic grips. The shaft 20 can be connected using any known method existing in the art, such as a permanent fixing method or fastening devices by any other method currently known or yet discovered. The handle knob 10 may further be coated or otherwise covered with a layer of rubber, leather, or other tactile texture coating 25 to aid in grip and operation. The handle knob 10 may further include cavities, holes, or other openings so that the handle knob 10 can be positioned across or on the shaft 20 in such a manner that the handle knob 10 at least partially surrounds the shaft 20. After positioning, the handle knob 10 can be restrained or attached to the shaft 20 by fastening devices including, but not limited to, rivets, screws, or other known fasteners. In a non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 1, a screw 30 can be used to axially attach the handle knob 10 to the shaft 20.

[0005] As is more well known in the art, bearings, bushings, or other elements are often provided and positioned between the knob handle 10 and the shaft 20 to reduce friction between two components. In a non-limiting example, the handle knob 5 includes a bearing 35 located around a screw 30, in the space or cavity between the handle knob 10 and the shaft 20. In other words, the bearing 35 may be positioned between the shaft 20 and the shoulder of the lower surface of the screw 30. However, to avoid coupling, the length of the internal geometric shape of the knob handle 10 and the bearing 35 cannot extend beyond the width of the bearing 35.

[0006] Therefore, a space or gap 40 is provided between the screw 30 and the bearing 35. This gap 40 allows for free axial play in the handle knob assembly 5 of the prior art. This free play may result in a loose feel for the user and may also cause internal movement of parts and components within the handle knob 5, which may lead to part failure over time. In addition to the bearing 35 located near the screw 30, the prior art may additionally and / or optionally include a second bearing or bushing 45 located near the handle arm 15. This second bearing 45 can further help reduce friction in the knob handle 10. [Overview of the project]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a handle knob assembly that reduces or eliminates the free play found in fishing reel handle knobs. Furthermore, a cost-effective solution to this problem is required in terms of both labor and material costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a system for reducing or eliminating free play in the handle knob of a fishing reel. This system generally involves adding a biasing means to reduce or eliminate the space or gap between the bearing or bushing and the fastening device (e.g., screw) in the handle knob. The present invention provides several methods and mechanisms for reducing or eliminating this gap, thereby reducing or eliminating free play in the handle knob.

[0009] In a first embodiment of the present invention, one or more living springs extending from inside the housing of the handle knob can be fitted below the underside of the bearing. The springs contract to impart an upward force to the bearing, pressing it against the underside of the screw head. The upward force biases the bearing against the screw head, thereby reducing or eliminating the clearance between the bearing and the screw, and consequently reducing or eliminating free play within the handle knob.

[0010] A second embodiment of the present invention may also utilize one or more living springs to reduce or eliminate the gap between the bearing and the screw. In the second embodiment, the knob may further include a flange or lip. The lip may be offset from the bearing by a small amount, thereby limiting the amount that the spring can be compressed when an axial force is applied to the knob.

[0011] A third embodiment of the present invention utilizes the same general design as the second embodiment, but also includes at least one emboss or projection extending from the inside of the handle knob housing. The projection extends inward and interacts with the bearing, thereby applying a radial force to the bearing. When used in combination with a spring, both axial and radial forces act on the bearing, thereby strengthening the connection and further reducing free play within the handle knob.

[0012] A fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an elastomer material formed around the knob. The elastomer material may include a projection for interacting with a bottom bearing located at the bottom of the shaft. The flange imparts a downward force to the second bearing, thereby restraining and limiting the bearing's movement. The elastomer material further imparts an upward force to the first bearing located at the upper end of the shaft, pressing the bearing against the screw. This constant upward and downward pressure reduces the free play within the handle knob.

[0013] A fifth embodiment of the present invention uses a cap that may be positioned over the head of a screw. The cap may be a permanent fixture or may be removablely attached to the screw head. The cap applies a downward force to the outer ring of the bearing, thereby axially constraining the outer ring of the bearing within the knob. The shaft is also provided with a lip, and the screw is tightened onto the inner ring of the bearing so that the inner ring of the bearing is axially constrained between the screw and the shaft. This preferably reduces the free play of the handle to only the play present in the bearing itself.

[0014] Other and further objectives of the present invention, along with their associated novel features, will become apparent in the following description.

[0015] In accompanying drawings that form part of the specification and are intended to be read in conjunction with the specification, the same reference numerals are used in various drawings to indicate similar or identical parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a handle knob known from conventional technology. [Figure 2A] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a top cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a top cross-sectional view of the handle knob. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view of a handle knob according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The present invention will be described here with reference to the drawings, where similar reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to the same parts. To clearly illustrate the features of the present invention, the proportional relationships of each element are not necessarily maintained in the drawings. The dimensions included in the drawings are given merely as examples, and it can be understood that dimensions other than those given in the drawings are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to specific embodiments that may carry out the present invention. The embodiments are intended to illustrate aspects of the present invention in sufficient detail so that those skilled in the art can carry out the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims, and therefore this description should not be constrained, nor should such claims limit the scope of equivalents for which such claims are entitled.

[0019] The present invention generally relates to systems for reducing or eliminating free play in handle knob assemblies used in fishing reels. In particular, the present invention aims to reduce or eliminate gaps or spaces between fastening devices and bearings or bushings located within the handle knob assembly. As will be described in more detail herein, the present invention can utilize several mechanisms and methods to achieve this result depending on the embodiment. The present invention provides cost-effective solutions in that the solutions provided herein can be developed and applied in a manner that limits time, labor, and component costs.

[0020] Figures 2A and 2B show a first embodiment of a handle 100 without free play. In one embodiment, the handle 100 can be constructed and manufactured using known methods according to prior art handles, or novel methods such as additive manufacturing. The handle 100 can include a handle knob 105, a handle arm (not shown), a shaft 110 for connecting the handle knob 105 to the handle arm, and a screw 115 or other fastening device for attaching the handle knob 105 to the shaft 110. As shown in Figure 2B, by way of non-limiting example, the screw 115 may be a Phillips head screw, although other designs or alternative fastening devices may be used and incorporated. The handle 100 can further include a bushing or bearing 120 positioned between the lower surface shoulder of the screw 115 and the upper end of the shaft 110.

[0021] As further shown in Figure 2A, the handle knob 105 can further include at least one active or "living" spring positioned within the housing of the handle knob 105. One embodiment of the handle knob 105 can include two springs, namely, spring 125a and spring 125b, positioned around the screw 115 and fixed to the inside of the housing of the handle knob 105. In this embodiment, springs 125a and 125b can extend from a starting point within the housing of the handle knob 105 to the space between the bearing 120 and the shaft 110, thereby creating an interference fit at the bottom of the bearing 120. When positioned in this way, the flexible force generated by springs 125a and 125b causes an upward pressure on the bearing 120, pressing the bearing 120 against the lower surface of the screw 115. The upward force generated by springs 125a, 125b allows the bearing 120 to interact with and press against the lower surface shoulder of the screw 115. The interaction between the bearing 120 and the screw 115 provided by springs 125a and 125b can reduce and even eliminate the gap 40 existing in the prior art.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, springs 125a and 125b can be positioned on both sides of screw 115 so as to apply a uniformly distributed force and pressure to screw 115. However, in another embodiment, springs 125a and 125b may be positioned at any circumferential position around screw 115. In a further embodiment, it can also be seen that handle knob 105 may comprise more or fewer living springs than that shown in FIG. 2A. In such an embodiment, the springs can be circumferentially positioned at various points around screw 115. However, in such an embodiment of handle knob 105, living spring 125 preferably presses bearing 120 against the lower side of screw 115, thereby eliminating or reducing gap 40 that exists in the prior art. By reducing or eliminating gap 40, free play in handle knob 105 can be reduced and even eliminated.

[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of handle 200. In one embodiment, handle 200 may generally be constructed according to a prior art handle or a novel method such as additive manufacturing, and may comprise a handle knob 205, a handle arm (not shown), a shaft 210 for connecting handle knob 205 to the handle arm, and a screw 215 or other fastening device for attaching handle knob 205 to shaft 210. FIGS. 3A and 3B further show exemplary designs and shapes that handle knob 205 can take in all embodiments of the present invention. Further, as shown in FIG. SA, by way of non-limiting example, screw 215 may be a flat head screw, although other designs or alternative fastening devices may be used and incorporated. Similar to handle knob 105, handle knob 205 can further include a bushing or bearing 220 positioned between the lower surface shoulder of screw 215 and the upper end of shaft 210.

[0024] As mentioned above, the handle knob 205 can further utilize a similar living spring design to that present in the handle knob 105. When utilizing the living spring design, the handle knob 205 may include two flexible springs, namely springs 225a and 225b, positioned circumferentially around the screw 215. In contrast to the handle 100 described above, the knob 205 may consist of a different design so that the knob 205 also has a lip 230 or flange at the end closer to the shaft 210 and bearing 220. This lip 230 can also be seen incorporated in Figure 4.

[0025] The shape and design of springs 225a, 225b, and lip 230 may vary depending on the embodiment, but both springs 225a and 225b can still provide an upward flexible force to the bearing 220. The upward force provided by springs 225a and 225b causes the bearing 220 to interact and press against the lower shoulder of the screw 215. This upward pressure applied to the bearing 220 by springs 225a and 225b can reduce and even eliminate the clearance 40 present in the prior art. Unlike the first embodiment 100 described above, when an axial load is applied to the handle knob, the lip 230 of springs 225a and 225b can be used to limit the range of motion of the bearing 220 relative to springs 225a and 225b. Lips such as lip 230 can also be incorporated into the first embodiment.

[0026] As present in the first embodiment described above and shown in Figures 3A and 3B, springs 225a and 225b may be positioned on either side of the screw 215 so as to apply a uniformly distributed force and pressure to the screw 215. However, in alternative embodiments, springs 225a and 225b may be positioned at any circumferential position around the screw 215. In further embodiments, it can also be seen that the handle knob 205 may have more or fewer living springs than those shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In such embodiments, the springs may be positioned at various points circumferentially around the screw 215. However, in all embodiments of the handle knob 205, the living springs provide pressure to the bearing 220 that presses it against the underside of the screw 215, thereby eliminating or reducing the gap 40 present in the prior art.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a handle 300 with no free play. In one embodiment, the handle 300 can generally be constructed according to the handle 200 described above. However, the handle 300 may further include at least one emboss or projection 305 extending inward from the internal housing of the knob handle 310. The projection 305 can be manufactured on the internal housing of the knob handle 310 during manufacturing, or can be added to the knob handle 310 after manufacturing. The projection 305 can be used to apply a radial force to the bearing so as to limit or eliminate radial movement of the bearing. This radial force provided by the projection 305, when used in combination with axial pressure applied by a flexible spring, strengthens the connection to the bearing. When both axial and radial forces are applied to the bearing, the play of the handle 300 is greatly reduced, and can even be eliminated. The handle 300 can be manufactured in many ways, but it is preferable to manufacture it using an additive manufacturing process.

[0028] Figures 5A and 5B show a fourth embodiment of the handle 400 that can reduce free play without using a living spring. In one embodiment, the handle 400 may comprise a handle knob 405, a handle arm (not shown), a shaft 410 for connecting the handle knob 405 to the handle arm, and a screw 415 or other fastening device for attaching the handle knob 405 to the shaft 410. Similar to the handle knob 105, the handle knob 405 may further include a bush or bearing 420 located below the shoulder of the screw 415 and around the upper end of the shaft 410. The handle knob 405 may further include a second bearing 425 located at the bottom of the shaft 410 near the handle arm.

[0029] The handle knob 405 may further comprise an elastomer or rubber material 430 that at least partially surrounds the shaft 410. The elastomer material 430 may be used as an aid when the operator grips and handles the handle knob 405. Furthermore, the elastomer material 430 may be used to further reduce free play within the handle knob 405. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the elastomer material 430 may include at least one projection 435 that can directly contact a second bearing 425 located near the handle arm. Since the second bearing 425 is clamped by both the flange 435 and the elastomer material 430, the force applied by the flange 435 can hold the second bearing 425 in place and limit free play.

[0030] In addition to the downward force provided by the flange 435 and the elastomer material 430 applied to the second bearing 425, the elastomer material 430 can further apply an upward force and pressure to the bearing 420, pushing it. This upward force can cause the bearing 420 to press against the screw 415 and push it upward. When pressure is applied to both the bearing 420 and the second bearing 425, the free play within the handle knob 405 is limited or eliminated.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the handle 500, illustrating an embodiment in which play can be reduced without using a living spring or elastomer material. In one embodiment, the handle 500 may include a handle knob 505, a handle arm (not shown), a shaft 510 for connecting the handle knob 505 to the handle arm, and a screw 515 or other fastening device for attaching the handle knob 505 to the shaft 510. As further shown in Figure 6, in non-limiting examples, the screw 515 may be a countersunk screw, but other designs or different fastening devices may be used and incorporated. As present in this first embodiment, the handle knob 505 may further include a bush or bearing 520 located between the lower shoulder of the screw 515 and the lip near the upper end of the shaft 510. As shown in Figure 6, the handle knob 505 does not include a gap 40 or space between the screw 515 and the bearing 520 as present in the prior art.

[0032] As shown in the illustration, a handle knob without free play may further include a cap 530 or other device which can be positioned over the upper end of the screw 515. The shape of the cap 530 may vary based on embodiments of the handle knob 500 and screw 515 without free play, but it can be seen that the cap 530 may be designed to conform to the shape of the handle knob 505. Once positioned, the cap 530 may be optionally fixed in place using any known mechanical means, adhesive means, or other means. Alternatively, the cap 530 may be fixed in a manner that allows it to be positioned and removed as needed. When positioned over the screw 515, the cap 530 can apply a downward force or pressure to the outer ring of the bearing 520 so as to press the outer ring, which is axially captured against the upper end of the handle knob 505, thereby reducing or eliminating the clearance 40 present in the prior art. This reduction or elimination of the clearance 40 can further reduce or eliminate free play in the knob handle 505.

[0033] As can be seen from the above description, this invention is well suited to achieving all the goals and objectives described above, along with other advantages inherent in the structure and method. Certain features and partial combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and partial combinations. This is intended by the claims and is included within the claims. Since many conceivable embodiments of the present invention can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention, it should also be understood that all matters described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0034] The structures described above and shown in the drawings are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, several embodiments of the novel invention have been shown and described. As will be apparent from the foregoing description, specific aspects of the present invention are not limited by the specific details of the examples shown herein, and it is therefore intended that other modifications and applications, or their equivalents, will be conjured upon those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including,” and similar terms used in the foregoing specification, are used not to mean “essential,” but to mean “optional” or “may include.” However, many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the configuration of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by examining the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed to be covered by the present invention, limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A handle for a fishing reel, The handle knob and The handle arm mechanically connected to the aforementioned handle knob, A shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the handle knob is connected to the first end of the shaft and the handle arm is connected to the second end of the shaft, A fastening device for attaching the handle knob to the shaft, A bearing located between the fastening device and the shaft, A biasing means integrally formed inside the handle knob for applying axial force to the bearing, A handle equipped with a handle.

2. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle knob includes a lip that surrounds the shaft and contacts the bearing.

3. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle knob is formed from an elastomer material.

4. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle knob includes at least one projection extending inward from the internal housing of the handle knob, the at least one projection abutting against a first bearing.

5. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle knob further comprises elastomer overmolding.

6. The handle according to claim 5, wherein the biasing means is integrated with the elastomer overmolding.

7. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means is a spring.

8. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a cap on the fastening device, the cap applies downward pressure to the fastening device and the bearing in order to reduce axial free play in the handle.

9. It is equipped with a handle knob for a fishing reel, and the handle knob is A first pocket at the first end, The first bearing is received in the first pocket, A biasing means integrally formed inside the handle knob for applying an axial force to the first bearing, including handle.

10. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle knob further includes a second pocket at the second end.

11. The handle according to claim 10, wherein the handle knob further includes a second bearing that is received in the second pocket.

12. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle knob is formed from an elastomer material.

13. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle knob includes at least one projection extending inward from the internal housing of the handle knob, the at least one projection abutting against the first bearing.

14. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle knob further comprises elastomer overmolding.

15. The handle according to claim 14, wherein the biasing means is integrated with the elastomer overmolding.

16. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle includes a cap on a fastening device, the cap applies downward pressure to the fastening device and the bearing in order to reduce axial free play in the handle.

17. The handle according to claim 9, wherein the biasing means is a spring.

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