EP1267610A1

EP1267610A1 - Fishing tackle

Info

Publication number: EP1267610A1
Application number: EP01918085A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Böril Jonsson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-03-29
Filing date: 2001-03-28
Publication date: 2003-01-02
Also published as: SE0001119L; SE516021C2; AU2001244955A1; WO2001074153A1; SE0001119D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a fly-fishing reel (1) comprising a frame (2) having a mounting bracket (3) for mounting the reel onto a fishing rod and a line spool (5) rotatably mounted in the frame, whereby the line spool is provided with a crank (6). According to the invention the crank is pivotally mounted in an opening (9) provided substantially centrally in the line spool, for pivotal motion between an inactive position in the area of the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool and an active position closer to the outer circumference of the line spool. The invention also relates to a crank for use together with a fly-fishing reel.

Description

TITLE: FISHING TACKLE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fishing tackles, and in particular to a fly-fishing reel as specified in the preamble of the accompanying claim 1 and a crank for a fly-fishing reel according to the preamble of the accompanying claim 15.

BACKGROUND

Basically, fishing reels specifically used for fly-fishing consist of a line spool that is rotatably mounted in a supporting frame. The frame is provided with a mounting bracket for fixing the reel onto a fly rod. Traditionally, the line spool has been rotatably mounted on a shaft provided in the center thereof, whereby the shaft in turn has been mounted in a frame designed as a housing, covering one or in some cases both sides of the spool. Examples of this type of flyfishing reel are disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,626,303; 5,752,667; 5,259,566 and 5,921,492.

In Swedish Patent SE 460 329 is described a further development of this center mounting of the line spool, whereby the line spool in this case has a central opening in which the spool is mounted by means of a number of rotatable supporting rolls. Finally, in my Swedish Patent SE 470 473 a revolutionary fly-fishing reel is disclosed, where the reel is not center mounted as before, but is supported at the frame, in connection with the circumference of the line spool, by means of a number of bearing rolls.

Fly-fishing reels are further provided with at least one crank that is directly or indirectly connected to the line spool, and by means of which the reel is brought to rotate for winding the line onto the spool. For all of the mentioned, known types of fly-fishing reels, the most common solution is to provide a crank or two cranks positioned diametrically opposite each other in the form of a handle part that is provided directly at the side surface of the line spool adjacent its outer circumference. Such a crank is disclosed in the Swedish Patents mentioned above and in the mentioned U.S. Patents 5,752,492 and 5,921,492.

In an alternative embodiment that is disclosed for an example in the above mentioned U.S.

Patents 5,626,303 and 5,259,566 as well as in U.S. Patent 4,049,217 and in WO 98/21942, the crank is designed having a handle part that is supported at the end of an arm or the like. The arm is in turn rotatably supported in the frame and transmits the motion of the crank to the line spool through a transmission.

Both of the described general designs of the crank mechanism that drives the line spool during winding of the line onto the spool basically suffer from a number of drawbacks. The problem that is perhaps most severe arises when a hooked fish draws out line from the spool. Thereby, the crank mechanism will rotate with the line spool. Particularly, when a hooked fish runs, the crank mechanism may in such a case hit the fisherman's hands and fingers with high speed and may cause discomfort and even injuries. In addition, there is an apparent risk for line breakage if the crank mechanism gets stuck in the fisherman's clothes or equipment during fast unwinding of line. The type of fixed crank mechanism that protrudes from the side of the reel has some further practical disadvantages, partly due to the fact that it becomes relatively lengthy to adapt the reel for left- and right-handed users, respectively and partly due to the fact that it makes the reel more bulky. This affects the size of the sale packaging and consequently the required storage and transport space.

For the type of fly-fishing reel described above, where the crank mechanism through an arm and a transmission indirectly transmits the motion to the line spool, solutions have been pre- sented in order to eliminate the risks associated with the rotating crank during fast unwinding of line. Such solutions are, for example, presented in the above mentioned U.S. Patents 5,626,303 and 5,259,566. According to said solutions, the crank itself is disconnected from the transmission, through a mechanism, during unwinding of line from the line spool, i.e. the crank stands still during such unwinding. However, such a solution to the problem is only applicable to this particular type of crank mechanism, which in itself requires a transmission that is comparatively expensive and space consuming and considerably increases the weight of the reel.

For the second type, where a handle part is directly provided at the side surface of the line spool, no serious attempts have, to my knowledge, been made to eliminate the described risks and disadvantages. _>

To sum up, it can thus be established that the prior solutions to the problem of co-rotation of the crank during fast unwinding of line, are restricted to the complicated and in many respects impractical type of reel having a transmission between the crank and the line spool. There is an apparent need for finding a solution to these problems also for the second basic type of reel having a crank mechanism provided directly at the line spool. This type of reel has a large share of the market within this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the above discussion, a basic object of the invention is to eliminate or at least limit the effect of the above described problems in an efficient and appropriate way.

More specifically, the object is to find a simple way of eliminating the risks and disadvantages associated with the crank that, by the type of fly-fishing reel mentioned in the introduction, rotates with the line spool during unwinding of line from the line spool, and to achieve this while maintaining a simple and flexible reel design that is comfortable to handle.

The invention is based on the knowledge that for a type of fly-fishing reel where the line spool is supported in such a way that it permits providing a substantially central opening therein, it is possible to benefit by such an opening in the free central area of the line spool. Conse- quently, the above mentioned basic object of the invention is achieved by utilizing this central area to mount the crank mechanism. According to a first aspect of the invention it is particularly suggested that the crank is pivotally journalled in an opening in the central area of the line spool for pivoting a handle portion thereof between an inactive position in the central area of the line spool and an active position closer to the outer circumference of the line spool.

In this way it is achieved that in the inactive position the crank and in particular its handle portion, is placed in a position where it cannot cause the discussed risks and problems or alternatively is kept completely out of the way. At the same time, in the active position the handle portion may be positioned where it is within easy reach, and is easy and comfortable to handle. According to an embodiment of the invention, this pivoting movement is achieved in a simple and efficient way by providing the crank with a support arm that with one end is pivotally supported in a radially outer area of the opening and that in the other end supports the handle portion.

According to another embodiment of the invention the crank mechanism is biased towards the inactive position. Thereby, the crank and in particular the handle portion will automatically be moved to this inactive position when released, which further minimize the risk for injuries or other problems.

According to a further embodiment of the invention the crank mechanism is provided so that it is pivotal about an axis that is extended generally in the axial direction of the line spool. With such a configuration a very simple and flexible design is achieved that is also well suited for an extremely simple adaptation of the crank to right- or left-handed use.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the crank mechanism is arranged to be pivotal about an axis extending generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the line spool. Such a solution provides a simple opportunity to cause the crank and in particular the handle portion to be automatically essentially or completely accommodated within a central opening of the line spool, completely out of the way, when in its inactive position.

By making the support arm angled between its ends the handle part may, according to another embodiment, very advantageously be positioned relatively far out from the center of the line spool in the active position. This is advantageous in particular for larger reels and for reels where a line spool with increased line capacity is desirable.

According to another aspect of the invention, a crank is provided that is intended for mounting on a fly-fishing reel, and that is designed employing the principles of the first aspect of the present invention.

Briefly, the present invention offers the following advantages: While maintaining a simple and very light reel design, the risks and disadvantages may be eliminated that are normally associated with a crank that is directly connected to and rotates with the line spool;

- It allows a design where the crank in its inactive position, i.e. when no reeling-in of line takes place, is positioned completely inside the outer sides of the line spool;

It allows a simple adaptation to right- and left-handed users, respectively;

- It allows a compact design that without any dismantling requires minimum storage and transport space.

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention, as well as further embodiments thereof are clear from the dependent claims and the following description of exemplifying embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail, in connection with the appended drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is plan view from the side of a first embodiment of a fly-fishing reel according to the invention, with the crank in an active reeling-in position;

Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to fig. 1 of the first embodiment of the fly-fishing reel according to the invention, with the crank illustrated also in an inactive position;

Fig. 3a is an end view of the fly-fishing reel according to figs. 1 and 2, with the handle portion illustrated in a position for a right-handed user;

Fig. 3b illustrates a detail of the handle portion and its mounting bracket, in longitudinal section; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fly-fishing reel according to drawing figures 1-3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view from the side of a second embodiment of a fly-fishing reel according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a likewise schematic, partial end view of the fly-fishing reel according to fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration, in end view, of a third embodiment of a fly-fishing reel according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference primarily to figs. 1-4 the basic principles of the invention shall now be described by means of a first, embodiment illustrated in these figures. At the same time the differences in comparison with conventional reel designs will be explained.

Drawing figures 1-4 illustrate a fly-fishing reel 1 having a frame or base body 2 forming on the one hand a mounting bracket 3 for attaching the reel 1 to a fly rod, not illustrated, and on the other hand a bearing 4 for a line spool 5. The bearing 4 consists of three rolls 4 A that are rotatably mounted in the frame and that engage corresponding formations formed at the inner surfaces of the line spool, close to its outer circumference. This is the general reel design described in my Swedish Patent SE 470 473 that was mentioned in the introduction. Regarding further details of the actual reel design, reference is made to that patent.

As was indicated in the introduction, the basic object of the invention is to provide a flyfishing reel eliminating the risks and disadvantages associated with the conventional crank that is connected to the line spool and thereby rotates with the spool. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in figs. 1-4, this is achieved by supporting a crank 6 in an opening 9 provided in the centre of the line spool 5 and extended axially there- through. More precisely, the crank 6 is formed by a support arm 7 that at a first end 7A thereof is provided with a socket-like seat 12 for a handle portion 8 having a general cylinder-shape. At a second end 7B, the support arm 7 is pivotally journalled on a pin 10 that is in turn mounted in a mounting bracket 1 1 that is attached at the outer circumference of the opening 9.

The pin 10 is arranged so that it is parallel to a centre axis/axis of rotation R of the line spool 5. The pin 10 forms the pivot axis SI of the crank, for pivoting the crank between an active position, illustrated in fig. 1 , with the handle portion 8 positioned at the outer circumference of the opening 9. and an inactive position, illustrated in fig. 2, with the handle portion 8 positioned in the center of the line spool. The length of the support arm 7 is adjusted so that in the inactive position the handle portion 8 is centered on the axis of rotation R. The inactive position is determined by stops 13, formed at the mounting bracket 11 for the support arm 7, as is indicated in figs. 1 and 4. The support arm 7 is further biased towards the inactive position, and this is indicated in fig. 4 by means of a torsion spring 15 that is provided around the pin 10 and that is fixed on one hand in the support arm 7 and on the other hand in the mounting bracket 11 or in the fixed pin 10. Naturally, the invention is not limited to the use of the specifically illustrated type of torsion spring, but other known biasing means for corresponding purposes may also be used.

For the purpose of saving weight, partly in order to keep the total weight of the reel 1 down, but above all in order to avoid causing excessive unbalance, the support arm 7 is manu- factured from a light material, such as light metal or plastic. Furthermore, the support arm is preferably formed as a frame having a central cavity between two side pieces supporting the socket-like seat 12, as is illustrated in fig. 4. The support arm 7 including the socket-like seat 12 has a width, seen in the axial direction of the line spool 5, that is smaller than the width of the line spool between its side surfaces 5A and 5B, illustrated in fig. 3a. In other words, the support arm 7 is completely accommodated within the central opening of the line spool 5 in the active as well as in the inactive position, and no part thereof protrudes past the side surfaces 5 A, 5B of the line spool.

Thus, in the active as well as in the inactive position only the handle portion 8 protrudes past one side 5 A or 5B of the line spool, as illustrated in fig. 3a. For simple adaptation to right- and left-handed fishermen, respectively, the handle portion 8 may suitably be received in the seat 12 so as to be displaceable therein. For the purpose of securing the handle portion in either one of the end positions, two latching positions are provided. In the manner illustrated in fig. 3b said latching positions may be provided by means of one or several spring-loaded, spring 23, balls 21 that are received in radial grooves 24 formed in the handle portion 8, in same axial position along the handle portion. Furthermore, circumferential grooves 22 are provided in the inner surface of the seat 12, in positions corresponding to the two end positions. The purpose of said grooves 22 is to receive the balls 21 therein and to lock the handle portion in the corresponding position. During transport as well as in the sale packaging, the handle portion may be pushed to a middle position, where no part thereof protrudes past the sides of the line spool. It is furthermore apparent that the latching function at the end positions may be performed in other corresponding ways, and that a locking device may be provided to prevent the handle portion for completely falling out of the seat. These variants and supplementary measures may be performed in ways that are known per se within other fields.

During use of the fly-fishing reel 1 illustrated in figs 1-4, the crank 6 will in its initial position, by the biasing through the spring 15, be in the position illustrated with full lines in fig. 2. In this position the handle portion 8 and the seat 12 are centered on the axis of rotation R of the line spool 5. As the handle portion 8 is operated for the purpose of reeling in line, the support arm 7 will automatically pivot in the direction of the arrow D in fig. 2, around the axis SI, until the seat 12 of the handle portion 8 engages the outer circumference of the opening 9.

During the continued reeling in of line. i.e. as long as the crank 6 is actuated, it will remain in this position. However, as soon as it is released and thereby relieved, the crank 6 will swing back to the inactive position by the force from the biasing spring 15. Through the stop 13, the inactive position is determined so that the handle portion 8, which is the only part of the crank 6 that is outside the side surfaces 5 A, 5B of the line spool 5, is centered in relation to the axis of rotation

R of the line spool 5. In this position, the handle portion 8 cannot cause any of the problems discussed above, since it only rotates around its own center axis during rotation of the line spool.

The particularly simple adaptation for right- and left-handed persons, respectively, as well as the very small outer dimensions of the reel 1 that are of importance for transport and packaging, are also achieved through the above discussed displaceability of the handle portion 8 in its seat 12. Said advantages are obtained without any dismantling of any parts. The objects and the advantages of the invention that are mentioned in the introduction are thereby achieved by means of the described design of the invention. In particular, this design is well adapted for reels 1 having line spools with smaller dimensions.

In figs. 5 and 6 an alternative design of the fly-fishing reel according to the invention is very schematically illustrated. This design is specifically suitable for use with reels having larger diameter line spools and in those cases where the line spool shall have a large line capacity, i.e. it shall hold a great length of line and/or a thick line, and where the central opening shall accordingly be kept small.

This fly-fishing reel 1 corresponds to the one according to the first embodiment and common parts have been given the same reference numbers and will not be described again. In this case the reel 1 is provided with a modified crank 106 that is specifically suitable for use with those reels that in accordance with the above discussion are equipped with a line spool having a relatively large diameter and/or having a large line capacity. In both of these cases, the handle portion of the crank may, in accordance with the first embodiment, be positioned relatively far from the outer circumference of the line spool, which in some cases is inconvenient from a handling point of view.

In the embodiment according to figs. 5 and 6 this is compensated for by the fact that in the active position B the handle portion 108 has been displaced or offset outwardly towards the outer circumference of the line spool 5, radially outside the central opening 9. This is achieved by forming the support arm 107 of two parts, in the form of two support arm parts 116, 117 of which a first support arm part 116 carries the handle portion 108 at a first free end 107A of the support arm 107. The handle portion 108 is rotatably supported on a pin. not illustrated in detail, mounted in the first support arm part 116. For achieving said offset of the handle portion 108, the first support arm part 116 is angled at a position 107C between its ends.

The other support arm part 117 corresponds substantially to the support arm 7 according to the first embodiment, and thus forms a second end 107B of the support arm 107. at which this is rotatably mounted in the area of the outer periphery of the central opening 9. Thus, the support arm 107 is mounted on a pin 110 for pivoting around an axis S 1 , between the active and inactive positions, B and A, respectively. At the opposite end, the second support arm part 117 is likewise provided with a socket-like seat 112 that in this case forms a pivotally fixed connection 1 18 of the first and second arm parts 116 and 117, respectively. The design of the pivotally fixed connection is not specifically illustrated, but may be accomplished in several workmanlike ways, such as by forming the cooperating parts of the socket-like seat 1 12 and of the corresponding end of the first support arm 116 with a non-round cross section or by means of separate latching means cooperating with these parts.

Like in the previously described embodiment, the support arm 107 is preferably biased towards the inactive position A by means of suitable biasing means. Such means are not illustrated in figs. 5 and 6 but may advantageously correspond to the ones mentioned above, with reference to drawings 1-4. In the same way, a stop, likewise not illustrated, is also provided in the second embodiment for halting the support arm 107 in the inactive position A, with the handle portion 108 centered on the axis of rotation R of the line spool 9.

From figs. 5 and 6, it is further clear that through the corresponding actuation thereof the support arm 107 may be pivoted around the pivot axis SI, to the active position B. Through the angled design of the first support arm part 116 the handle portion 108 will in this position

B be displaced or offset radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the central opening 9. This facilitates cranking and thereby the winding-up of line on the spool 5.

The connection 118 between the first and second arm parts 116 and 117, respectively is, as mentioned, pivotally fixed, but in the illustrated embodiment it is formed so that the first arm part 116 is displaceable in relation to the seat 112. For this purpose, the seat 112 according to fig. 6 is provided with a slit 1 19 in which the angled portion of the support arm part 1 16 is received when the arm part is inserted in the direction of the axis of rotation R. This displaceability permits that in the inactive position A, the first support arm part 116 and the handle portion 108, may be pushed in to a position where they are completely accommodated within the opening 9. Positioning means, for instance of the type described above with reference to fig. 3b, are preferably provided in the connection 118 to determine the two end positions for the displaceability.

Finally, it is also suitable if the connection 118 is releasable, so that the support arm part 116 with the handle portion 108 can be moved between the two ends of the socket 112 for rearranging between right- and left-handed maneuvering of the crank 106, respectively.

Fig. 7 illustrates a further, alternative embodiment of the fly-fishing reel 1 according to the invention. This design that is very schematically illustrated, is especially suitable for use with smaller, simpler types of fly-fishing reels. Here, the crank 206 is once more provided with an integral support arm 207 that is angled at a location 207C between its first and second ends 207A and 207B, respectively. At a first end 207A, the support arm rotatably supports a handle portion 208. At the second end 207B thereof the support arm 207 is rotatably mounted on a pin 210 that in this case extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the line spool 5. Thereby, the pivot axis S2 of the crank 206 and thus of the support arm 207 is likewise extended perpendicular to the axis of rotation R, whereby the crank may be pivoted from an inactive position A, where the complete crank is accommodated within the central opening (not specifically illustrated in the figure), and to an active position B, with the handle portion 208 positioned in the area of the outer circumference of the line spool 5.

This pivoting around the pivot axis S2 is illustrated in the figure by the three illustrated positions of the crank, namely the inactive position A, the active position B and an intermediate position C. Like in the above described designs, the crank 206 is biased towards the inactive position by means of a spring that is not illustrated in detail here. From the figure it is further clear that the support arm 207 is angled in the direction of the pivoting motion between positions A and B. The angle between the first and second ends 207A and 207B, respectively of the support arm may vary depending on, for example the diameter of the line spool 5, the diameter of the central opening and/or the position of the pin 210. The angle shall primarily permit correct positioning of the handle portion 208 in the active position B close to the outer circumference of the line spool, and that in the inactive position A the complete crank may be accommodated within the central opening. In addition, the angle should be chosen such that the best possible geometry is obtained for maneuvering the crank 206, preferably in combination with the inclination of the outer free first end 207A of the support arm 207 illustrated in fig. 7,. More specifically, the geometry should be such that maneuvering of the crank 206 securely maintains this in the active position B; i.e. actuates the crank for clockwise pivoting around the pivot axis S2. In other words, the angle shall primarily be clearly larger than 90°.

In a further variant, the crank according to any of the described embodiments may, like the first support arm part according to fig. 5 and 6, be mounted so as to be pivotal around two mutually perpendicular axes, for an example by means of a universal joint. With such a design, a very simple adjustment of the crank and the reel for left- and right-handed fishermen is achieved. Thereby, it preferable to provide a latch for the pivoting movement around the axis that provides such adjustment. Such a latch would normally be activated, but would be disengaged specifically for the adjustment. Since this design is more complicated, it is probably primarily applicable on more expensive types of reels.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departure from the scope thereof, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A fly-fishing reel (1) consisting of a frame (2) having a mounting bracket (3) for mounting the reel onto a fishing rod and of a line spool (5) rotatably mounted in the frame, the line spool being provided with a crank (6; 106; 206) having a handle portion (8; 108; 208), characterized in that the crank is pivotally supported in an essentially centrally provided opening (9) in the line spool for pivoting of the handle portion between an inactive position, in the area of the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool, and an active position, closer to the outer circumference of the line spool (5).

2. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the crank (6; 106; 206) is provided with a support arm (7; 107; 207) having a first free end (7A; 107A; 207A) in connection with which the handle portion (8; 108; 208) is mounted and having a second end (7B; 107B; 207B) in connection with which the support arm is pivotally mounted (pin 10; 1 10; 210) in a radially outer area of the central opening (9) with regard to the axis of rotation

(R) of the line spool.

3. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the support arm (7; 107; 207) is biased towards the inactive position.

4. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the support arm (7; 207) is designed in one piece and having a fixed length.

5. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the support arm (7) is straight and completely accommodated within the central opening (9) in the active as well as in the inactive position, and has a length between the first and second ends (7 A and 7B, respectively) that substantially corresponds to the distance between the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool and the position of the pivotal mounting of the support arm in the central opening (9).

6. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 5. characterized in that the handle portion (8) is displaceably received in the first end (7A) of the support arm (7), for displacement between positions in which it protrudes from different sides of the line spool (5).

7. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the support arm (107) comprises first (116) and second (117) arm parts being connected to each other, the first arm part supporting the handle portion (108) and the second arm part being pivotally mounted in the central opening (9).

8. The fly-fishing reel (1) according any of claims 2-4 or 7, characterized in that the support arm (107; 207) is angled (107C; 207C) at least at one position between its first and second ends (107A; 207A and 107B; 207B, respectively) for offsetting the handle portion (108; 208) outwardly from a plane extending through the pivotal mounting (110; 210) and the second end (107B; 207B) of the support arm.

9. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to any of claims 2-8, characterized in that the support arm (7; 107) is pivotally mounted around a pivot axis (SI) extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool (5) .

10. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to any of claims 1-4 and 8, characterized in that the support arm (207), in connection with the second end (207B) thereof is rotatably mounted around a pivot axis (S2) extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool (5), whereby it is pivotal between the inactive position, where the support arm as well as the handle portion (208) are completely accommodated within the central opening (9), and the active position, where the handle portion and the first end (207A) of the support arm protrude from one side of the opening.

11. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to any of claims 7-9, characterized in that the second support arm part (117) is straight and has a length between its ends that substantially corre- sponds to the distance between the axis of rotation (R) of the line spool (5) and the position of the pivotal mounting of the support arm part in the central opening (9), and in that the first support arm part (1 16) is angled (107C).

12. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 7 and any of claims 8-9 and 1 1, characterized in that the first and second support arm parts (116 and 117, respectively) are connected to each other through a releasable connection (1 18) being positioned therebetween.

13. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 7 and any of claims 8-9 and 11-12, characterized in that the first support arm part (116) is displaceably received in the second support arm part (117) for displacement of the first support arm part and the handle portion

(108) between positions protruding from one side of the central opening (109) and being completely accommodated therein, respectively.

14. The fly-fishing reel (1) according to claim 7 and any of claims 8-9 and 11-12, characterized in that the first and second support arm parts (116 and 117, respectively) are connected to each other through a joint, preferably a universal joint, positioned therebetween and being lockable in a position of use.

15. A crank (106; 206) for a fly-fishing reel (1) comprising a frame (2) having a mounting bracket (3) for mounting the reel onto a fishing rod and a line spool (5) rotatably mounted in the frame, the crank (106; 206) being provided with a support arm (107; 207) having a mounting (1 10; 210) for pivotal connection to the line spool and a handle portion (108; 208), characterized in that the support arm (107; 207) is angled at least at one position (107C; 207C) between its first and second ends (107A; 207A and 107B; 207B, respectively) for offsetting the handle portion (108; 208) outwardly from a plane extending through the pivotal mounting (1 10; 210) and the second end (107B; 207B) of the support arm.

16. The crank (106) according to claim 15, characterized in that the support arm (107) comprises first and second arm parts (116; 117) that are connected to each other through a pivotally fixed connection (118) being positioned between first and second ends (107A and 107B. respectively) of the support arm or alternatively through a joint, preferably a universal joint, positioned therebetween and being lockable in a position of use.

17. The crank (106) according to claim 15, characterized in that the handle portion (108) and the first support arm part (116) are displaceably supported at the second support arm part (1 17) for displacement between positions protruding from one side of the central opening (109) and being completely accommodated therein, respectively.