Semi-automatic bail structure for open face reels

Claim 1

In a spinning reel having frame means, a winding rotor assembly operatively to said frame means, a line engaging bail rockable between a stable open line casting mode and a stable closed line retrieval mode, means resiliently and releasably restraining said line engaging bail into either one of said stable modes, a line spool mounting means and a line spool retained thereupon, a winding crank and associated mechanical linkages for causing said winding rotor assembly to rotate and the line spool mounting means to axially reciprocate the line spool for re-winding the line; a. said frame means including a base housing assembly having spindle means secured thereto with said spindle means being disposed generally coaxially with said rotor and with a portion of said spindle means extending generally forward of said base housing assembly for receiving said line spool thereon; b. said line bail comprising a generally resilient semi-circular arm with a certain first pre-determined normal diameter and having angularly directed leg portions extending in a certain axial direction from each end thereof, said leg portions terminating in mounting ear segments which extend angularly from said leg portions and generally diametrically of said arm; c. said winding rotor being arranged to operatively retain said line bail and having generally diametrically opposed first and second hub means for receiving said ear segments and for permitting pivotal rotation of said ear segments therewithin, said opposed hub means defining a second pre-determined diameter which is greater than said first pre-determined diameter for resiliently biasing said bail arm outwardly; d. said first hub comprising a plunger received within a plunger receiving cup formed within said winding rotor, with said cup having a radially extending plunger support surface disposed adjacent the base thereof, said plunger being coupled to one of said bail legs and having a head portion with an outer surface and a generally annular inner surface and with a shank portion extending generally radially inwardly from said annular inner surface, said annular inner surface having a cAm contour formed thereon and being arranged to be in resilient inwardly biased contact with said radially extending plunger support surface, said cam contour having bases defining said stable open line casting mode and said stable closed line retrieval mode, and said plunger shank portion having a radially asymetric portion formed about the central axis thereof.