I broached this same subject earlier but under a misleading subject line - Pflueger Reels. I am interested in the history of the design of spinning reels. Were there recognized "schools" of design or especially gifted individual designers? Did big debates break out among manufacturers or designers about the appropriate form for a spinning reel to take? Is the form of various spinning reels determined by the internal mechanics alone or do they serve as only one influence on the design?
I have contacted Shakespeare about the Pflueger designs - very little initial help but they may know more than they realize. But Pfluegers aren't the only unusual reels out there. Mepps certainly comes to mind.
Individuals who follow REEL TALK probably know much about this topic. Your information would be very much appreciated. Perhaps someone knows of a book or two that I could read as a way of getting more insight into this issue. Anything you can share with me will be helpful.
I am not writing a book or article - just interested.
Spinning Reel Design
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john elder
- Star Board Poster
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- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:44 pm
I, too, am interested in old spinning reel design and, for the moment, the
oscillation mechanisms used in them. I am trying to find early examples
of oscillation guide groove systems that use a nonlinear guide slot (e.g. US patent nos. 5,921,489 and 5,350,131). An example of a linear slot is in US patent no. 3,948,465. I also found an old German Utility model patent from 1970.
I would like to trace out the development of reels with these systems.
I expect that there may be examples that pre-date these patents but
don't know where to start looking. Is there a book that has drawings of
the old reel gearing?
oscillation mechanisms used in them. I am trying to find early examples
of oscillation guide groove systems that use a nonlinear guide slot (e.g. US patent nos. 5,921,489 and 5,350,131). An example of a linear slot is in US patent no. 3,948,465. I also found an old German Utility model patent from 1970.
I would like to trace out the development of reels with these systems.
I expect that there may be examples that pre-date these patents but
don't know where to start looking. Is there a book that has drawings of
the old reel gearing?
Yup, I checked into the cited patents and literature that were cited by the examiner. recent changes in the way the US Patent Office keeps old references has made it somewhat harder to do, but I found an old 1960's era reference describing what I think is the first Z-shaped guide slot in a spinning reel. It's interesting how some designs just keep getting "rediscovered".