Advanced Spinning Reel Collar Design for Friction Reduction

Publication ID: 24-11856930_0001_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Spinning Reel Collar Design for Friction Reduction,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856930_0001_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856930_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,930.

Background and Problem Solved

Conventional spinning reels suffer from excessive friction and wear between the collar member and the spool shaft, leading to reduced performance and lifespan. The original patent's collar member design has limitations in terms of surface roughness and material selection, which this invention addresses by introducing new features and materials that minimize friction and wear.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features and materials that significantly reduce friction and wear between the collar member and the spool shaft, providing a non-obvious improvement over the original patent. The specific combination of surface roughness, self-lubricating material, textured surface, adjustable diameter, and removable insert constitutes a new and inventive solution.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different materials or surface treatments to achieve the desired level of friction reduction. Variations of the invention could also include adapting the collar member design for use in other types of fishing reels or mechanical systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced collar member has significant commercial potential in the fishing industry, particularly among manufacturers of high-performance spinning reels. The invention's improved durability and performance could also appeal to anglers seeking premium products. Additionally, the technology could be adapted for use in other industries where friction reduction and wear resistance are critical, such as mechanical engineering or robotics.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01K89/0111

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Mechanical engineering for fishing reel components, specifically focusing on precision mechanical interfaces and tribological systems for rotational and reciprocating mechanical assemblies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in precision mechanical design, materials science, and tribology, familiar with mechanical tolerances, surface engineering techniques, and mechanical component optimization

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize multiple straightforward design modifications to the original spinning reel collar member that represent predictable variations addressing common mechanical performance challenges. These variations leverage standard engineering problem-solving approaches such as surface treatment, material selection, and geometric modifications to improve mechanical interface performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Collar member with tubular shape for spool shaft movement

PTD Variation

Reducing inner surface roughness to Ra 0.1 μm to minimize friction

Obviousness Reasoning

Surface roughness optimization is a standard tribological technique for reducing mechanical friction, representing a predictable design improvement using known surface engineering principles

Source Patent Element

Metal or resin collar member configuration

PTD Variation

Using self-lubricating material to reduce wear between collar and shaft

Obviousness Reasoning

Material substitution with performance-enhancing composites is a routine engineering design choice for improving mechanical component durability

Source Patent Element

Collar member with basic tubular geometry

PTD Variation

Adding textured surface to enhance grip and prevent slippage

Obviousness Reasoning

Surface texturing is a well-known technique for improving mechanical interface friction and engagement, representing a predictable solution to potential movement issues

Source Patent Element

Fixed diameter collar member design

PTD Variation

Implementing adjustable diameter for customized shaft fitting

Obviousness Reasoning

Dimensional adaptability is a standard mechanical design approach for creating more versatile and universally applicable components

Source Patent Element

Single-piece collar member construction

PTD Variation

Incorporating removable wear-resistant insert for extended lifespan

Obviousness Reasoning

Modular design with replaceable wear components is a common engineering strategy for improving maintenance and extending mechanical system longevity

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856930's disclosure of a spinning reel collar member, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through routine mechanical engineering design techniques. The disclosed modifications represent predictable extensions of the prior art, utilizing standard surface engineering, materials science, and mechanical design principles to incrementally improve mechanical component performance.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,930
Title	Collar member for spinning reel
Assignee(s)	SHIMANO INC.