Advanced Spinning Reel Collar Design for Friction Reduction

Publication ID: 24-11856930_0006_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_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856930_0006_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 often suffer from increased friction between the collar member and the spool shaft, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan. The original patent, 'Collar member for spinning reel', addressed some of these limitations but still had room for improvement. The present invention builds upon the original patent, providing direct improvements and enhancements to overcome these limitations.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as the use of lightweight, high-strength materials, textured surfaces, tapered inner surfaces, self-lubricating coatings, and modular designs, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a non-obvious improvement over the existing art, enhancing the overall performance of the spinning reel.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative materials, such as advanced polymers or ceramics, could be used for the collar member. The textured surface could be achieved through various methods, including machining, 3D printing, or surface treatment. The modular design could be applied to other components of the spinning reel, allowing for easier maintenance and customization.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The improved collar member has significant commercial potential in the fishing industry, particularly in the high-end segment where performance and durability are crucial. The invention could also be applied to other industries where smooth movement and reduced friction are essential, such as in medical devices or industrial machinery.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01K89/0111

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Mechanical engineering, specifically fishing reel design and precision mechanical components, with expertise in materials science, tribology, and mechanical assembly techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years of experience in precision mechanical design, familiar with materials selection, surface engineering, and mechanical component optimization for sporting equipment

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's spinning reel collar member design. The proposed modifications leverage standard engineering approaches to address known friction, wear, and performance limitations in mechanical interfaces. These variations demonstrate incremental technical solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize spinning reel component performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Collar member with tubular shape for spool shaft movement

PTD Variation

Introducing a tapered inner surface to facilitate smoother spool shaft movement

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that tapering inner surfaces is a known technique for reducing friction and improving mechanical alignment, representing a predictable design optimization

Source Patent Element

Metal or resin collar member

PTD Variation

Using lightweight, high-strength materials with textured surfaces

Obviousness Reasoning

Material selection and surface texturing are standard engineering approaches for reducing friction and improving component performance, representing a finite set of known optimization strategies

Source Patent Element

Fixed collar member design

PTD Variation

Implementing a modular design allowing component replacement

Obviousness Reasoning

Modular design is a common engineering approach for improving maintenance and reducing long-term equipment costs, representing a predictable solution to component wear

Source Patent Element

Basic collar member interface

PTD Variation

Adding self-lubricating coating to reduce friction between collar and spool shaft

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying specialized coatings to reduce mechanical friction is a known technique in precision mechanical design, representing a straightforward performance enhancement

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the technical variations disclosed in this publication would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art of mechanical design, when considered in light of US Patent 11856930. The proposed modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize spinning reel component performance through standard material selection, surface engineering, and mechanical design techniques.

Original Patent Information

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