Description of the Related Art Conventional hand-held fishing rods have reels mounted either parallel to or perpendicular to the rod. The reel mechanism is driven by a crank which is to be turned in a rotary motion for causing a reel to wind a fishing line. The rotary motion of turning the crank requires the use of small muscles in the hand and wrist. This, in turn, puts stress on the small muscles of the hand and wrist and requires a certain level of manual dexterity.

A heavier version of a fishing rod is used for deep sea fishing. When using the conventional deep see fishing rod, a seated fisherman keeps one hand on the rod and reels in the fishing line by moving a crank mechanism in a rotary motion, as with the hand- held fishing rod and reel. Thus, the problems mentioned above regarding the hand-held fishing rod also apply to the deep-sea fishing rod.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above problems in the related art and has as its object to provide a fishing apparatus which does not require the use of the small muscles of the hand and wrist in order to reel in a fishing line.

It is still further an object of the invention to maintain constant tension on a fishing line while reeling in the fishing line. Thus, a rod is no longer necessary for maintaining constant tension on the fishing line.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a deep sea fishing apparatus which eliminates the need for using hands to wind a reel of the fishing apparatus by providing a winding mechanism to be operated by using feet in a rectilinear pedaling motion.

A first embodiment of the invention is a rod with a reel integral to the rod. The reel includes a helical drive mechanism, with two cylindrical screws mounted in series.

The two cylindrical screws are driven by moving a handle in a rectilinear motion. Such a motion is easily accomplished without stress on the small muscles of the hand and wrist.

While moving the handle in one direction, one of the two cylindrical screws will provide constant torque while it is driving an output device. Another of the two cylindrical screws will be free-wheeling. This embodiment, provides a constant torque when one of the two cylindrical screws is driving the output device.

In addition to the benefits provided by the first embodiment, a second embodiment of the invention provides a helical drive mechanism, with two helical members mounted coaxially, capable of providing constant torque while moving the handle either toward or away from the operator. Thus, constant tension can be maintained on the fishing line while reeling in the fishing line.

A third embodiment of the invention with a detachable reel is provided. Similar to the first embodiment, the helical drive mechanism contains two cylindrical screws which are mounted in series and driven by a rectilinear motion of a handle.

A fourth embodiment is a fishing apparatus with a removable reel and a helical drive mechanism containing two helical members mounted coaxially.

A fifth embodiment is a fishing apparatus for use in deep sea fishing. Two helical drive mechanisms are provided for reeling in a fishing line, each helical drive mechanism having an output device. A synchronizing gear is disposed between the output devices for maintaining a relationship between two pedals provided for driving each helical drive mechanism. In addition to providing the advantages of the previous embodiments, this embodiment provides for using the leg muscles (which are stronger than the muscles of the hand) to power the reel via the helical drive mechanisms.

A mono-helical drive with planetary gears and a dual side-by-side helical drive are provided which can be used as drive means for any of the above-mentioned embodiments.- A helical drive having a twisted flat bar, a sleeve, a pulley and a drive belt is provided for use as a drive means for any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear in the course of the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention showing a helical drive assembly within a reel assembly which is integral to a fishing rod.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention showing a helical drive assembly having two helixes within a reel assembly which is integral to a fishing rod.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention showing a detachable reel with a helical drive assembly.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention showing a detachable reel with a helical drive assembly having two helixes.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention showing a deep sea fishing assembly having two helical drive assemblies.

Figure 6 is a side plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention showing a deep sea fishing assembly having two helical drive assemblies.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mono-helical drive assembly having a flat helical member and planetary gears.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of dual side-by-side helical drive assemblies having two flat helical members.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a helical drive assembly having a pulley, a drive belt, and a sleeve to guide an input device.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a helical drive assembly having a pulley, a drive belt and a sleeve to guide an input device.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a helical drive assembly having a pulley, a drive belt and a sleeve guide for guiding an input device.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the helical drive assembly of figure 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the present invention, a fishing rod and reel 1, with a reel assembly 5 being integral to a rod 10. A handle 15 is attached to a base 20 of the reel assembly. The reel assembly 5 extends from an end of the handle 15 in a direction extending along a lengthwise direction of the handle 15. The rod 10 extends from an end of the reel assembly 5 being opposite to another end of the reel assembly 5 adjacent to the handle 15 and extending in a lengthwise direction of the handle 15 away from the reel assembly 5.

The reel assembly 5 comprises a housing 25 which includes an elongated cylindrical portion extending along an axis defined by the handle 15, the reel assembly 5, and the rod 10, and a bulbous portion extending outward in a direction perpendicular to and outward from the axis. Extending along the axis and enclosed within the outer casing 25 are two cylindrical screws 30. A first cylindrical screw is disposed closer to the handle 15 and a second cylindrical screw is disposed closer to the rod. In this embodiment, each cylindrical screw 30 is a cylindrical tube with a groove 35 extending in a helical manner along a length of the cylindrical tube. The groove on the first cylindrical screw 30 extends in a direction opposite to the direction of the groove on the second cylindrical screw 30. Extending through the first and the second cylindrical screws 30 is an axle 40. Two annularly-shaped roller clutches 45 are mounted on the axle 40 such that the axle 40 passes through a center of an annularly-shaped portion of each of the two roller clutches and an outer rim of the annularly-shaped portion of a respective roller clutch is in contact with an inside surface of a corresponding one of the cylindrical screws 30. A sleeve 55 of an input device 50 is slidably disposed along the outer surface of the cylindrical screws 30. An input shaft (not shown) extends from an inside surface of the sleeve 55 facing toward one of the cylindrical screws 30. An end of the input shaft is slidably disposed within a respective groove 35 of a corresponding cylindrical screw 30. An input device handle 60 extends outward from an outside surface of the sleeve 55 and passes through a slot 65 formed on the outer casing 25. The slot 65 extends along a side of the outer casing 5 in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the two cylindrical screws 30. A bearing 75 is disposed around a first end of the axle 40 closer to the rod 10. The bearing 75 is attached to an end cap 70, which, in turn, is attached to an inside end of the outer casing 25. A second bearing 75 is disposed around the axle 40, such that an annular-shaped outer portion of the second bearing is in contact with an inner surface of the second cylindrical screw close to an end of the second cylindrical screw opposite to an end closer to the rod 10. A third bearing 75 is disposed around the axle 40, such that an annular-shaped outer portion of the third bearing is in contact with an inner surface of the first cylindrical screw close to an end of the first cylindrical screw opposite to an end closer to the handle 15. The second end of the axle 40 is disposed within a hole formed in a central portion of an annularly-shaped output device 80. An outer rim portion of the output device 80 is in contact with an outer rim of an annularly- shaped portion of a transfer member 85. Another portion of the annularly-shaped portion of the transfer member 85 is in contact with an outer rim of an annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 95. An end of a spool axle 100 is disposed through a hole in a center of the annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 95 and another end of the spool axle 100 is disposed through a hole in a center of an annularly-shaped end piece 105 of the spool 95. The spool 95 is enclosed within the bulbous portion of the outer casing 25.

An end of a fishing line 110 is attached to the spool sleeve 100 and passes through an opening in the bulbous portion of the outer casing 25 facing toward the rod.

Moving the handle 60 of the input device 50 from a position within the slot 65 in the outer casing 25 closer to the rod to a position within the slot 65 of the outer casing 25 closer to the handle 15 causes the input shaft (not shown) attached to the inner surface of the sleeve 55 to move along the groove 35 of the second cylindrical screw thereby forcing it to move in a counterclockwise (when viewed from a direction of the handle 15) until the input shaft leaves the slot 35 of the second cylindrical screw 30, enters the slot 35 of the first cylindrical screw 30, and thereby forces the first cylindrical screw 30 to move in a clockwise direction. Moving the input shaft across the slot 65 in an opposite direction forces the first and second cylindrical screws to rotate in an opposite direction.

When each of the two cylindrical screw rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the roller clutch 45, which is in contact with a corresponding cylindrical screw 30 will cause the axle 40 to remain stationary. Thus, the corresponding cylindrical screw 30 is said to be free-wheeling and not producing any torque. When each of the two cylindrical screws 30 rotates in a clockwise direction, the roller clutch 45, which is in contact with a corresponding cylindrical screw 30, will cause the axle 40 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotation of the axle 40 in the clockwise direction causes the output device 80 to rotate in a clockwise direction, which, in turn, causes the transfer member 85 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. This causes the annularly-shaped end portion 90 of the spool 95 to rotate in the clockwise direction, which, in turn, causes the spool axle to rotate and reel in the fishing line 110.

When a button-shaped portion of the transfer member 120 is depressed, a length of the transfer member 85 is shortened causing a spring member 125 to be compressed.

The outer rim of the annularly-shaped portion of the transfer member 85 will no longer be in contact with the outer rim of the annularly-shaped end portion of the spool 90.

Thus, the movement of the cylindrical screw becomes disassociated from the movement of the fishing line. This position is ideal for casting the fishing line 110.

Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the fishing rod and reel 2 of the present invention. Reference numbers corresponding to parts previously described in the first embodiment shall remain the same. Only the differences from the first embodiment shall be discussed.

Instead of two cylindrical screws as in the previous embodiment, this embodiment includes a left-handed or LH slotted helix cylinder 130 and a right-handed or RH slotted helix cylinder 135, both disposed within the outer casing 25. The RH slotted helix cylinder 135 is disposed within the LH slotted helix cylinder 130. A stationary shaft 140 is disposed through a longitudinal hole formed through the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 and protrudes from two ends of the RH slotted helix cylinder 135. An annularly-shaped carrier 77 is disposed around a portion of the stationary shaft 140 extending beyond an end of the RH slotted cylinder 135. A bearing 75 is disposed around another portion of the stationary shaft 140 protruding beyond another end of the RH slotted cylinder 135.

The bearing 75 has an annularly-shaped portion disposed in contact with an inner surface of the LH slotted cylinder 130. An annularly-shaped roller clutch 45 in contact with the inner surface of the LH slotted helix cylinder 130 is disposed around the carrier 79. A bearing 75 is disposed around the stationary shaft 140 near an end of the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 further from the handle 15 and contacts an inner surface of the RH slotted helix cylinder 135. A roller clutch 45 is disposed around the stationary shaft 140 near another end of the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 closer to the handle 15 and contacts an inner surface of the RH slotted helix cylinder 135. An input device 145 comprises a cylindrically-shaped sleeve 150 having a hole formed in a longitudinal direction. The stationary shaft 40 is disposed through the hole in the sleeve 150, such that the sleeve 150 is slidably disposed along the stationary shaft 140. A handle 155 of the input device 145 is attached to an outside surface of the sleeve 150 such that the handle 155 is disposed at an angle substantially perpendicular to the stationary shaft 140 and passes through a slot 65 extending in a lengthwise direction along a length of the outer casing 25. An output sleeve 77, with two ends, has one end disposed through an opening in a central portion of an annularly-shaped bearing 75 which is attached to a central portion of an output device 80. The output sleeve 77 extends from the end near the output device 80 through a central portion of the annularly-shaped roller clutch 45 disposed around the carrier 79 and extending to and in contact with a central portion of the annularly-shaped roller clutch 45 in contact with the RH slotted helix cylinder 135. An outer rim of the output device 80 is in contact with an annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 95.

Moving the handle 155 of the input device 145 in a direction toward the handle 15 causes the LH slotted helix cylinder 130 to rotate in a clockwise direction, when viewed from an end of the fishing rod and reel 2 having the handle 15, and causes the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Moving the handle 155 of the input device 145 in a direction away the from handle 15 causes the LH slotted helix cylinder 130 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 to rotate in a clockwise direction. When either the LH slotted helix cylinder 130 or the RH slotted helix cylinder 135 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the respective roller clutch 45 causes the output sleeve 77 to rotate in the clockwise direction.

When the output sleeve 77 rotates in the clockwise direction, the outer rim of the output device 80 rotates in the clockwise direction causing the annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 95 to rotate in the counter clockwise direction causing the fishing line to be reeled in. Thus, moving the handle 155 of the input device 145 either in the direction toward the handle 15 or away from the handle 15 causes the fishing line 110 to be reeled in.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the fishing rod and reel 3. Reference numbers corresponding to parts previously described for the previous embodiments shall remain the same. Only the differences from the previous embodiments shall be discussed.

As described in the first embodiment, an outer casing 25 having a cylindrical shape and being parallel to a handle 15 of the fishing rod and reel 3 encloses two cylindrical screws 30 having an axle 40 disposed through a hole extending in a lengthwise direction through the two cylindrical screws 30. The two cylindrical screws 30 and the axle 40 are parallel to the handle 15. The roller clutches 45, bearings 75, input sleeve 55 of the input device 55 and the handle 60 are disposed as described in the first embodiment. An end of the axle 40 facing in a direction opposite to a direction facing the rod 10 is attached to a central portion of an annularly-shaped bearing 75 disposed in contact with an end cap 70 which is in contact with an end portion of an outer casing 25. An output device 80 is attached to another end portion of the axle 40 facing toward the rod 10. As in the first embodiment, rotation of the axle 40 in a clockwise direction (as seen from a direction of the handle 15) causes the output device 80 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The output device 80 is attached to annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 105 disposed within a cylindrical casing 165 having a larger diameter than that of the outer casing 25 such that the annularly-shaped end portion 90 of a spool 105 rotates with the output device 80 causing the spool axle 100 to rotate, whereby the fishing line 110 is reeled in through a hole in the cylindrical casing 165.

Two metal brackets 170 extend from a same side surface of the outer casing 25.

Each metal bracket 170 has a flat portion attached to the outer casing 25, a second flat portion extending away from the outer casing 25, forming a 90 degree angle with the first flat portion, and a third flat portion, forming a 90 degree angle with the second flat portion. The third flat portion of the metal bracket 170 being attached closer to an end of the outer housing 25 enclosing the end cap 70 extends toward the end cap 70 in a direction parallel to a lengthwise direction of the outer housing. The third flat portion of the metal bracket 170 being attached closer to an end of the outer housing 25 at an end opposite to the end enclosing the end cap 70 extends in a direction away from the end cap in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the outer housing. Each of the two metal brackets 170 are detachably attached to a handle 15 by a metal ring 160 disposed around the handle 15 with the third flat portion of each of the two metal brackets 170 disposed between each respective metal ring 160 and the handle 15.

The third embodiment operates in manner similar to the first embodiment, but has a reel assembly 175 which is detachable.

Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has a removable reel assembly 175, as described in the third embodiment, but instead of having two cylindrical screws 30, as described in the first and third embodiments, this embodiment has a LH slotted helix cylinder 130, a RH slotted helix cylinder 135, and an output sleeve 77 as described in the second embodiment. The output sleeve 77 is disposed through the output device 80. When the output device 80 rotates causing the spool axle 100 to rotate, the spool assembly 105 works in the same manner as described in the third embodiment. Thus, the fishing line 110 can be reeled in by sliding the input device 145 toward an end of the outer casing 25 having the fishing line 110 and sliding the input device 145 away from the end of the outer casing 25 having the fishing line 110.

Figs 5 and 6 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a top view of the embodiment and Fig. 6 is a side view of the embodiment. Reference numbers corresponding to parts previously described for the previous embodiments shall remain the same. Only the differences from the previous embodiments shall be discussed.

Horizontal support member 220 is rotatably attached to a rotary base 180 via connecting member 190. Drive support member 195 is attached to an end of horizontal support member 220 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. A seat support member 200 extends from an end of the horizontal support member 220 opposite to the end attached to the drive support member 195 and forms an obtuse angle with the horizontal support member 220. Two helical drive assemblies 210 are attached to a top portion of the drive support member 195 such that helical drive assemblies 210 are parallel to each other. A vertical support member 225 extends in a vertical direction from two horizontal sections of the horizontal support member 220. A top portion of the vertical support member 225 is inclined toward a direction closer to the two helical drive assemblies 210.

Two helical drive holding members 230, each for holding an end of each housing of each respective helical drive assembly 210, is attached to opposite ends of the top portion of the vertical support member 225. A fishing reel spool assembly 235 is rotatably disposed between the two helical drive holding members 230. A central portion of a circularly- shaped line guard 245 is attached to each end of a cylindrically-shaped portion of the spool assembly 235. A spool axle 240 is disposed through the cylindrically-shaped portion of the spool assembly 25, such that the spool assembly 235 will rotate when the spool axle 240 rotates. A truncated-cone-shaped gear 250 is attached to both free ends of the spool axle 240. Each truncated-cone-shaped gear 250 is disposed to be in contact with a respective truncated-cone-shaped portion of an output gear 255 of each helical drive assembly 210. A synchronizing gear support member 270 extends outward and upward from drive support member 195.

Each helical drive of each respective helical drive assembly 210 has a helical member. The helical member is a twisted flat bar having a first end and a second end.

The first and second ends of the twisted flat bar are each attached to a bearing. Each bearing is further attached to a roller clutch which causes an output gear 255 and output device 265 to rotate when the twisted flat bar is rotated in one direction and causes the output gear 255 to free-wheel or idle when the flat bar is rotated in another direction.

The input device includes a slider 263 having a rectangular slot through which the twisted flat bar is slidably disposed. A pedal 260 extends outwardly from the input device through a slot in an outer casing which encloses the helical drive. The slot extends along a length of the outer casing and is parallel to the twisted flat bar.

A seat 320 is attached to an end of the seat support member 200. Below the seat 320 and attached to the seat support member 200 is a synchronizing gear adjust handle 280. A synchronizing gear line 285 is attached to an end of the synchronizing gear adjust handle 280 and passes along the length of the seat support member 200, through a pulley 290 located at a point where an end of the seat support member 200 meets the horizontal support member 220, passes along the length of the horizontal support member 220, through a pulley 290 located at a point where an end of the horizontal support member 220 meets the drive support member 195, through a pulley 290 at an end of the synchronizing gear support member 270 and to the synchronizing gear 275. A spring 300 is disposed between the synchronizing gear 275 and a spring support member 310, such that when the synchronizing gear adjust handle 280 is pulled, the synchronizing gear 275 is pulled toward the spring 300 causing the spring 300 to compress and the synchronizing gear 275 to move toward the spring 300. A rod holder 325 for holding an end of the rod 10 is attached to the seat support member 200 below the seat 320 and faces upward in a direction toward the fishing reel spool assembly 235. The fishing line 110 extends from the fishing reel spool assembly 235 through a pulley 290 attached to a bottom portion of the rod 10 and along the bottom portion of the rod 10 in a direction away from the seat 320.

The two helical drive assemblies 210 are configured such that a respective output gear 255 of each helical drive assembly 210 rotates in a direction opposite to the output gear 255 of the other helical drive assembly 210. The annularly-shaped portion of each output device 265 rotates in the same direction as a corresponding output gear 255.

Pushing either pedal causes the spool axle 240 to rotate, reeling in the fishing line 110.

Each helical drive assembly will drive the corresponding output device 265 and the corresponding output gear 255 to rotate when the input device is moved in one direction and the helical drive assembly will be free-wheeling or idling when the corresponding input device is moved in an opposite direction.

The synchronizing gear 275 may be disengaged from contacting each output device 265 by pulling the synchronizing gear adjust handle 280. When the synchronizing gear 275 is engaged or contacting each output device 265 a movement in either output device 265 will be transferred through the synchronizing gear 275 to the output gear 265 of the other helical drive assembly 210, thereby rotating the helical member in the other helical drive assembly 210. Thus, a fisherman may pull the synchronizing gear adjust handle 280, and adjust the pedals 260 to an optimal position such that when one pedal is moved to a position closest to the fisherman, the other pedal is in a position furthest from the fisherman. When one pedal causes the corresponding helical drive assembly 210 to drive the corresponding output device 265 and output gear 255, the other helical drive assembly 210 is free-wheeling or idling.

Figure 7 shows a mono-helical drive with planetary gears which can be used with any of the above-described embodiments. Two cylindrically-shaped track devices 330, each having two ends, are disposed parallel to each other. A first end of each track device 330 is attached to a first mounting plate 340 and a second end of each track device 330 is attached to a second mounting plate. A cylindrically-shaped portion 345 of an output device 350 is disposed in parallel to and in the same plane as each of the two track devices 330. The cylindrically-shaped portion 345 is disposed closer to the second track device 330 than the first track device 330. A second end of the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 is disposed within an opening defined by annularly-shaped bearing 360 attached to the second mounting plate 340. A first end of the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 protrudes through an opening formed in a central portion of an annularly-shaped bearing 360 disposed within an opening formed in the first mounting plate 340. The cylindrically-shaped portion protrudes through the opening in the first mounting plate 340, through an opening formed in a central portion of an annularly-shaped roller clutch 410, disposed within a central portion of an annularly-shaped first planetary gear 390, and through an opening defined in a retaining device 380. A twisted flat bar 400 is disposed parallel to and in the same plane with the first and second track devices 330 and the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 of the output device 350 and is located between the first track device 330 and the cylindrically-shaped portion 345. A first end of the twisted flat bar 400 is attached to an annularly-shaped bearing 360. A second end of the twisted flat bar 400 is attached to an annularly-shaped roller clutch 410 disposed within a central opening defined by an annularly-shaped output gear 420. A cylindrical shaft 430 extends from a central portion of the roller clutch 410 disposed within the output gear 420 toward the second mounting plate 340. An end of the shaft 430 is disposed within an opening defined in a central portion of an annularly-shaped bearing 360 attached to the second mounting plate 340. The annularly-shaped bearing 360 attached to the first end of the twisted flat bar 400 has an axle 440 attached to a central portion of the annularly-shaped bearing 360 on a side opposite to a side having the twisted flat bar 400 attached. The shaft 440 passes through an opening defined within the first mounting plate 340 and extends to and is disposed within an opening formed in an annularly-shaped roller clutch 410 disposed within an opening formed in a central portion of an annularly-shaped second planetary gear 450. An outer rim of the second planetary gear is in contact with an inner ring of the first planetary gear 390. An annularly-shaped driving gear has an annularly- shaped roller clutch 410 disposed through an opening in a central portion thereof. The roller clutch 410 is disposed around the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 of the output device 350. An outer rim of the driving gear 460 is in contact with an outer rim of the output gear 420. An input device 470 has a hole formed therein for slidably disposing the first track device 330 therethrough. The input device 470 also has a thin rectangular opening formed therein with the twisted flat bar 400 slidably disposed therethrough. A roller bearing 480 is disposed along each of the two long sides of the thin rectangular opening.

Moving the input device 470 from a position close to the second mounting plate 340 toward the first mounting plate 340 forces the twisted flat bar 400, which passes through the thin rectangular opening, to rotate in a clockwise direction. This causes the output gear 420 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The driving gear 460, disposed in contact with the output gear, rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 410 disposed around the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 of the output device 350 causes the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction when the driving gear 460 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 410 disposed within the opening in a central portion of the first planetary gear 390 causes the first planetary gear 390 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction when the cylindrically- shaped portion 345 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The inner surface of the first planetary gear 390 is in contact with the outer surface of the second planetary gear 450 and the counterclockwise rotation of the first planetary gear 390 causes the second planetary gear 450 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction However, due to the clockwise rotation of the twisted flat bar 400, the axle 440 is rotating in a clockwise direction. The annularly-shaped roller clutch 410 disposed within the central portion of the second planetary gear 450 causes free-wheeling when the axle rotates in the clockwise direction with respect to the second planetary gear 450.

Moving the input device 470 from a position close to the first mounting plate 340 toward the second mounting plate 340 forces the twisted flat bar 400, which passes through the thin rectangular opening, to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 410 disposed within the output gear 420 free-wheels when the twisted flat bar 400 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the output gear 420 does not rotate. The rotation of the twisted flat bar 400 in the counterclockwise direction causes the axle 440 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 410 disposed around the axle 440 causes the counterclockwise motion to be transferred to the second planetary gear 450. The counterclockwise motion will be transferred through the outer surface of the second planetary gear 450 to the inner surface of the first planetary gear 390 through contact with the first planetary gear 390 causing the first planetary gear 390 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 410 disposed within the first planetary gear 390 will prevent any clockwise rotation of the cylindrically-shaped portion 345 of the output device 350 from being transferred to the first planetary gear 390.

Figure 8 shows a dual side-by-side helical drive which can be employed in any of the above embodiments. Two twisted flat bars 490,500 are disposed parallel to each other. The first twisted flat bar 490 is twisted in a direction opposite to a direction of twist of the second twisted flat bar 500. A second end of each of the twisted flat bars 490,500 is attached to a respective bearing 360 disposed within a second mounting plate 340. A first end of each of the twisted flat bars 490,500 is attached to a respective bearing 360 disposed within the first mounting plate 340. Each of the bearings 360 attached to the first end of each of the twisted flat bars 490,500 is attached to a respective roller clutch 410 protruding from a side of the first mounting plate 340 opposite to a side facing the first and second twisted flat bars 490,500. Each of the respective roller clutches 410 is disposed within a central portion of a corresponding annularly-shaped driving gear 510. A first driving gear 510 is associated with the first twisted bar 490 and a second driving gear 510 is associated with the second twisted flat bar 500. A cylindrically-shaped track device 520 is disposed parallel to and in the same plane as the first twisted flat bar 490 and the second twisted flat bar 500, such that the track device 520 is disposed between each of the two twisted flat bars 490,500. An input device 530 is formed to have two thin rectangular openings and a circular central opening.

The first twisted flat bar 490 is slidably disposed through the first thin rectangular opening and the second twisted flat bar 500 is slidably disposed through the second thin rectangular opening. Each thin rectangular opening has roller bearings 480 disposed along each long side. The circular central opening of the input device 480 has a cylindrically- shaped bearing 525 disposed therethrough. The track device 520 is slidably disposed through an opening formed in the cylindrically-shaped bearing 525 disposed within the input device 530. A second end of the track device 520 is disposed within an opening defined within the second mounting plate 340. A first end of the track device 520 passes through an opening formed in the first mounting plate 340 and is disposed within an opening in a central portion of an annularly-shaped bearing 360 which is attached to a central portion of an annularly-shaped output gear 535. An outer rim of the output gear 535 is disposed in contact with an outer rim of the first and second driving gears 510.

Moving the input device 530 from a first position close to the second mounting plate 340 to a second position close to the first mounting plate 340 causes the first twisted flat bar 490 to pass through the first thin rectangular opening of the input device 530 and the second twisted flat bar 500 to pass through the second thin rectangular opening of the input device 530. Thereby, the first twisted flat bar is forced to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from the first mounting plate 340) and the second twisted flat bar 500 is forced to rotate in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the first twisted flat bar 490 causes the bearing 360 attached to the first end of the first twisted flat bar 490 to rotate. The rotation is transferred to the corresponding roller clutch 410. The corresponding roller clutch 410 causes the first driving gear 510 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Because the outer rim of the first driving gear is in contact with the outer rim of the output gear 535, the counterclockwise rotation of the first driving gear 510 causes the output gear 535 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

The rotation of the second twisted flat bar 500 in the clockwise direction, causes the bearing 360 attached to the first end of the second twisted flat bar 500 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The corresponding roller bearing 410 will free-wheel, thereby preventing the clockwise rotation from being transferred to the second driving gear 410.

Moving the input device from the second position close to the first mounting plate 340 to the first position close to the second mounting plate 340 causes the first twisted flat bar 490 to pass through the first thin rectangular opening of the input device 530 and the second twisted flat bar 500 to pass through the second thin rectangular opening of the input device 530. Thereby, the first twisted flat bar is forced to rotate in a clockwise direction and the second twisted flat bar 500 is forced to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Rotation of the first twisted flat bar 490 in the clockwise direction will cause the bearing 360 attached to the first end of the first twisted flat bar 490 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The corresponding roller clutch 410 will free-wheel, thereby preventing the clockwise rotational motion from being transferred to the first driving gear 510. The rotation of the second twisted flat bar 500 in a counterclockwise direction causes the rotational motion to be transferred through the bearing 360 attached to the first end of the second twisted flat bar 500 to the corresponding roller clutch 410. The corresponding roller clutch will then cause the second driving gear 510 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The outer rim of the second driving gear 510, which is in contact with the output gear 535, will rotate against the output gear 535 causing the output gear 535 to rotate in the clockwise direction.

Thus, moving the input device either toward the first mounting plate 340 or the second mounting plate 340 causes the output gear 535 to rotate in the clockwise direction.

Figures 9 and 10 show a helical drive with a helical member comprising a twisted flat bar 540. The twisted flat bar 540 is disposed between a first and second round mounting plates 550. Each of two ends of the twisted flat bar 540 is attached to an annularly-shaped roller clutch 45. One of the roller clutches 45 which is closer to the first mounting plate 550 has an axle 560 extending from a central portion and in a direction away from the twisted flat bar 540. The axle 560 protrudes through the first mounting plate 550. An annularly-shaped pulley 570 has a central portion on one side of the pulley fixedly attached to an end of the axle 560 protruding through the first mounting plate 550.

The pulley 570 has a groove formed around an outer rim. A rubber belt 580 is disposed within the groove formed in the pulley 570. The roller clutch 45 attached to another end of the twisted flat bar 540 closer to the second mounting plate 550 has a gear 595 attached to a side of the roller clutch 45 facing away from the twisted flat bar 540. The gear 595 protrudes through an opening formed in the second mounting plate 550. An output axle 590 is disposed between the first and second mounting plates 550 and is parallel to the twisted flat bar 540. The output axle 590 has a first end and a second end.

The second end of the output axle 590 is disposed within a central portion of an annularly-shaped roller clutch 45. An end of the roller clutch 45 facing away from the twisted flat bar 540 is attached to a central portion of a driving gear 600. The driving gear 600 and the attached roller clutch 45 protrude through an opening formed in the second mounting plate 550. An outer rim of the gear 595 is disposed in contact with an outer rim of the driving gear 600. A first end of the output axle 590 protrudes through an opening formed in the first mounting plate 550. The drive belt 580 is disposed around the first end of the output axle 590, such that rotation of the pulley 570 causes rotation of the output axle 590 and vice versa. An input device 610 has an opening with the twisted flat bar 540 disposed therethrough. The input device 610 has a handle portion extending outward from an outer surface of that portion of the input device 610 which has the twisted flat bar 540 disposed therethrough. A cylindrical sleeve 620 is disposed around the twisted flat bar 540 and extends from the first mounting plate 550 to the second mounting plate 550. A slot is formed in the sleeve 620 and extends along a length of the sleeve 620 parallel to a longitudinal direction of the twisted flat bar 540. A housing 630 encloses the first and second mounting plates 550, the twisted flat bar 540 and all but the first end of the output axle 590. The pulley 570, the axle 560, and the drive belt 580 protrude from a first end of the housing 630. Although an embodiment with the pulley 570, the drive belt 580, and the first end of the output axle 590 enclosed within the housing 630 may be provided. A slot is formed on a side of the housing 630.

The slot in the housing 630 is aligned with the slot in the sleeve 620, such that the handle of the input device 610 protrudes through the slot and can slide along a length of both slots.

Moving the handle of the input device 610 from a position close to the second mounting plate 550 to a position close to the first mounting plate 550 causes the twisted flat bar 540 to rotate in a clockwise direction (when viewed from an end having the first mounting plate 550). The roller clutch 45 at the first end of the twisted flat bar 540 will cause the axle 560 to rotate, thereby causing the pulley 570 to rotate. The motion of the drive belt 580 attached to the pulley will then cause the output axle to rotate 590 clockwise. The roller clutch 45 at the second end of the twisted flat bar 540 will free- wheel. thereby causing the gear 595 to remain stationary. The roller clutch 45 at the second end of the output axle 590 will free-wheel allowing the output axle 590 to rotate in the clockwise direction while the driving gear 600 remains stationary.

Moving the handle of the input device 610 from the position close to the first mounting plate 550 to the position close to the second mounting plate 550 causes the twisted flat bar 540 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The roller clutches 45 at the second end of the twisted flat bar 540 will engage causing the gear 595 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The roller clutch 45 at the first end of the twisted flat bar 540 will free-wheel and not cause the axle 560 and the pulley 570 to rotate. The counterclockwise rotation of the gear 595 causes the abutting driving gear 600 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The roller clutch 45 adjacent to the driving gear 600 will then engage and cause the output axle 590 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotation of the output axle 590 causes the drive belt 580 to move and rotate the pulley 570. The roller clutch associated with the pulley 570 will then free-wheel.

Figure 11 and 12 illustrate a variation of the previous embodiment. Only the differences will be described.

This embodiment does not comprise a sleeve for guiding the handle of the input device, as was shown in figures 9 and 10. Instead, the output axle 590 is disposed through a cylindrical sleeve 640 which extends for a length of the output axle between the two roller clutches 45 at the first and second ends of the output axle 590. The input device 650 comprises a cylindrical sleeve guide 660 having the sleeve 640 slidably disposed therethrough. The handle of the input device 650 extends outward from the cylindrical portion and through the slot formed in the housing 630. As in the previous embodiment, the slot extends along the side of the housing 630 and is parallel to the sleeve 640. Extending from the sleeve guide 660 toward the twisted flat bar 540 is a thin rectangular sleeve having the twisted flat bar 540 slidably disposed therethrough. The roller clutch 45 at the second end of the twisted flat bar 540 has an axle 660 extending from a central portion thereof. The axle 660 extends through an opening of the second mounting plate 550.

Sliding the handle of the input device 650 along a longitudinal direction of the slot formed in the housing 630 causes the twisted flat bar 540 to rotate. All other operational aspects of this embodiment are the same as the previous embodiment described in figures 9 and 10.

In addition to the helical drive disclosed in each of the above embodiments, the helical drive may be a slotted helix cylinder, a cylindrical screw with a groove or a spring. The helical drive may include a single helix or a double helix. Also, the helical ratio may be varied such that the output device will rotate at a different rate for the same amount of movement of the input device.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details and representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications to the embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

For example, any embodiment may have the spool of line parallel (See figs. 1-4) or perpendicular (see figs. 5-6) to the rod.

Also any embodiment may use other configurations of helical drives. For example, the mono-helical drive with planetary gears (see fig. 7) or the dual side-by-side helical drive (fig. 8) can be used. Also, motorized helical drives can be used.