BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a reel de-liner tool according to the invention shown mounted in the chuck of a conventional power drill for drawing fishing line from a fishing reel;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the reel de-liner tool according to the present invention with a dedicated motor;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reel de-liner tool without a motor;
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate perspective view of the reel de-liner tool without a motor;
FIG. 5 illustrates a first end view of the reel de-liner tool without the motor;
FIG. 6 illustrates a second end view of the reel de-liner tool without the motor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The reel de-lining tool of the present invention is designed to draw the old line from a fishing reel so as to permit disposal of that line, as shown schematically at FIG. 1. The reel de-lining tool of the present invention expedites the removal of the old-line from the fishing reel, Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of reel de-lining tool 100 according to the present invention includes flexible arms 102 which include radially outward inclined portions 104. The radial outer surface of the flexible arms 102 take up the fishing line 109 from the fishing reel 110. The flexible arms 102 are attached to a flange 106 or end wall at the proximate end of the flexible arms 102. The flange 106 forms a barrier for the fishing line 109 as the fishing line 109 is being collected. The flexible arms 102 include the radially outward inclined portion 104 which are angled radially outward to form an additional barrier for the fishing line 109 at the distal end of the flexible arms 102. The radially outward inclined portion 104 may include a slot 112 to accept and hold an end of the fishing line 109 to secure the fishing line 109 to the reel de-lining tool 100. Extending from the flange 106 and opposed to the flexible arms 102 is a projecting shrank 108 which is formed exterior of the end wall or flange 106 and which is designed to fit within the jaws of the chuck 114 of a conventional power drill 116 as shown at FIG. 1. The shank 108 may be circular in section but may have a hexagonal cross-section so as to be held securely within the chuck 114 of the power drill 116. In order to fit most conventional hand-held power drills, the shank 108 is preferably ¼″ in diameter and at least ½″ long. Other sizes, however, may be desirable, for example to fit smaller or larger portable or bench drills. The projecting shank 108 may extend through and beyond the flange 106.
The flexible arms 102 provide for a convenient way of removing the coiled fishing line 109. To remove the coiled fishing line 109, the flexible arms 102 are compressed inwardly, allowing the coiled fishing line 109 to pass over the radially outward inclined portion 104. There is no need to fasten or remove any apparatus from the reel de-lining tool 100 in order to remove the coiled fishing line 109. Consequently, the fishing line 109 can be coiled and removed quickly and easily. The flexible arm 102 can be constructed so as to snap in to the flange 106 to allow easier manufacture and to allow a more compact design. The flexible arm 102 can be permanently attached to the flange 106.
FIG. 2 illustrates the reel de-lining tool 100 with a dedicated motor 118 which may be battery-powered so that the reel de-lining tool 100 can be used in remote locations and can fit conveniently into a fishing tackle box.
FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the reel de-lining tool 100 of the present invention. The reel de-lining tool 100 includes the flexible arms 102, the radially outward inclined portion 104, the flange 106, and the projecting shank 108. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates the slots 112 for accepting the fishing line 109.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the reel de-lining tool 100 of the present invention. The reel de-lining tool 100 includes the flexible arms 102, the radially outward inclined portion 104, the flange 106, the projecting shank 108 and the fishing line 109. Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates the slots 112 for accepting the fishing line 109. FIG. 4 illustrates four flexible arms 102; however, additional or fewer flexible arms 102 are within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the reel de-lining tool 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates the other end view of the reel de-lining tool 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the reel de-lining tool 100 of the present invention. The reel de-lining tool 100 includes the flexible arms 102, the radially outward inclined portion 104, the flange 106, and the projecting shank 108. Additionally, FIG. 7 illustrates the slots 112 for accepting the fishing line 109. FIG. 7 illustrates four flexible arms 102; however, additional or fewer flexible arms 102 are within the scope of the present invention.
The reel de-lining tool 100 may be constructed, for example, of molded metal alloy, plastic components or other suitable material as one embodiment. A second embodiment may include the end wall or flange 106, the flexible arms 102, and the shank 108 all being integrally molded in a single piece.
As shown in FIG. 1, the de-liner tool 100 is, in use, mounted in the chuck 114 of power drill 116. The free end of a fishing line 109 which is to be removed from a fishing reel 110 is fastened to the slot 112. The power drill 116 is then turned on, drawing the line 109 from the spool of the fishing reel 110. When all of the line 109 has been removed from the fishing reel 110, it is easily disposed of by compressing the flexible arms 102 inwardly and sliding the line 109 off the flexible arms 102. This is accomplished especially easily by the flexible nature of the flexible arms 102.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.
Patent Application
20080023580
