US 12,219,942 B2
Automatically adjusting variable gear ratio fishing reel
Drake Dean Gongwer, Wakarusa, IN (US); and Anthony J. Parker, Wilkinson, IN (US)
Filed by Drake Dean Gongwer, Wakarusa, IN (US); and Anthony J. Parker, Wilkinson, IN (US)
Filed on Dec. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/530,419.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/488,547, filed on Mar. 6, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0298625 A1, Sep. 12, 2024
Int. Cl. A01K 89/01 (2006.01); A01K 89/015 (2006.01); A01K 89/017 (2006.01)
CPC A01K 89/0189 (2015.05) [A01K 89/0184 (2015.05); A01K 89/017 (2013.01); A01K 89/0192 (2015.05)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fishing reel comprising:
a handle assembly connected to a crankshaft;
a low-speed and a high-speed drive gear mounted on the crankshaft, the drive gears configured to be affixed axially relative to the crankshaft;
an engagement hub mounted on the crankshaft between the drive gears, the engagement hub configured to be movable axially relative to the crankshaft between a first gear ratio position and a second gear ratio position;
a yoke having a first end portion engaging the engagement hub;
a shifting mechanism engaging a second end portion of the yoke, the shifting mechanism operable to move the yoke; and
a speed sensor configured to detect rotational speed of the crankshaft;
wherein, when the speed sensor detects rotational speed at or below a predetermined threshold speed, a first command signal is sent to the shifting mechanism to move the yoke to axially urge the engagement hub to its first gear ratio position in which the engagement hub engages with the low-speed drive gear, and
wherein, when the speed sensor detects rotational speed above the threshold speed, a second command signal is sent to the shifting mechanism to move the yoke to axially urge the engagement hub to its second gear ratio position in which the engagement hub engages with the high-speed drive gear.