Fishing rod

Abstract

To provide a fishing rod in which a texture peculiar to cork is secured while suppressing increase of the weight of the fishing rod.SOLUTION: The fishing rod includes a rod body 1 made of a fiber-reinforced resin having a first resin, a surface layer part 30 having a cork sheet 31 covering the rod body 1, and an adhesive layer provided between the rod body 1 and the surface layer part 30, bonding the rod body 1 and the surface layer part 30, and having a second resin different from the first resin, wherein the surface layer part 30 has a first overlapping part 71 where both ends of the cork sheet 31 in the circumferential direction of the rod body 1 overlap each other, and the surface layer part 30 further has a filling part for filling the cork sheet 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fishing rod, and more particularly to a surface structure of a fishing rod. [Background technology]

[0002] A cork tube is sometimes attached to the grip of a fishing rod, for example. A cork tube attached to the grip makes it less likely for your hand to slip when you hold the grip. The cork tube also adds a touch of luxury. However, using a cork tube increases the weight of the fishing rod.

[0003] In response to this issue, the applicant has already proposed a configuration in which a cork sheet is used on the surface of the grip, as in Patent Document 1 below. In other words, the cork sheet is fixed to the rod body by the matrix resin of the rod body permeating into the cork sheet. However, because the matrix resin permeates the cork sheet, the color and texture of the cork are easily damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5725943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to ensure the unique texture of cork while suppressing an increase in the weight of a fishing rod. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fishing rod according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a rod body, a surface layer portion, and an adhesive layer. The rod body is made of fiber-reinforced resin. The rod body has a first resin. The surface layer portion has a cork sheet. The cork sheet covers the rod body. The adhesive layer is provided between the rod body and the surface layer portion. The adhesive layer bonds the rod body and the surface layer portion. The adhesive layer has a second resin different from the first resin.

[0007] According to this configuration, the rod body is covered with a cork sheet. This makes it easy to make the fishing rod lighter than a cork tube. The cork sheet is adhered to the rod body by an adhesive layer interposed between the rod body and the cork sheet, and the adhesive layer contains a second resin that is different from the first resin of the rod body. This maintains the color and texture of the cork, allowing the cork texture to be faithfully reproduced on the surface of the fishing rod.

[0008] In a fishing rod having a second side surface according to the first side surface, the surface layer has a first overlapping portion. In the first overlapping portion, both ends of the cork sheet in the circumferential direction of the rod body overlap. With this configuration, the ends of the cork sheet are overlapped, preventing the cork sheet from peeling off from the rod body and firmly attaching the cork sheet to the rod body. Furthermore, while the ends of the cork sheet are prone to developing minute irregularities in the surface and thickness directions, providing the first overlapping portion prevents the rod body from being exposed even if irregularities do occur on the ends of the cork sheet, making it easy to maintain a good appearance.

[0009] In a fishing rod according to the third aspect of the present invention, the surface layer has a sealing portion. The sealing portion seals the cork sheet. This configuration fills the air spaces of the cork cells exposed on the surface of the cork sheet. This results in a smooth, even surface for the cork sheet, providing a good appearance and a pleasant feel when touched or gripped. It also helps prevent cracks in the cork sheet.

[0010] In a fishing rod according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the surface layer has a missing portion. The missing portion is a missing portion in the cork sheet. The sealing portion includes a first sealing portion. The first sealing portion fills the missing portion. With this configuration, the missing portion in the cork sheet is filled with the first sealing portion, making it possible to make the surface layer smooth and preventing the rod body from being exposed through the missing portion. Therefore, even with a cork sheet, the texture and appearance unique to cork can be maintained. Furthermore, the surface layer feels good when touched or gripped with a hand. Furthermore, tearing of the cork sheet originating from the missing portion is suppressed, improving durability.

[0011] In a fishing rod having a fifth aspect conforming to the third or fourth aspect, the surface layer has a first overlapping portion. In the first overlapping portion, both circumferential ends of the cork sheet of the rod body overlap. The sealing portion has a second sealing portion. The second sealing portion is provided in the first overlapping portion. With this configuration, since the second sealing portion is provided in the first overlapping portion, unevenness that tends to occur at the end of the cork sheet is filled in by the second sealing portion. This makes the first overlapping portion smooth and less noticeable. This ensures a good appearance and a good feel. In addition, cracks in the cork sheet originating from unevenness at the end can be suppressed, improving durability.

[0012] In a fishing rod of a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the cork sheet includes an assembled sheet. The assembled sheet is made of strip-shaped cork pieces arranged in a second direction. The strip-shaped cork pieces extend in the first direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. With this configuration, because the cork sheet is an assembled sheet, it has a more luxurious feel than a cork sheet made of an aggregate of granular cork formed by crushing cork. Furthermore, it is possible to express realistic cork, obtain an appearance similar to that of a cylindrical cork body, and easily achieve both lightweight and a luxurious feel.

[0013] In a fishing rod according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the surface layer has a first direction portion. The first direction of the first direction portion is aligned with the circumferential direction of the rod body. With this configuration, the extension direction of the strip-shaped cork piece in the first direction portion is aligned with the circumferential direction of the rod body. Therefore, in fishing where a large force is repeatedly applied to the fishing rod along the axial direction of the rod body, it is possible to prevent damage to the cork or loss of holes due to gripping the first direction portion. An example of a fishing rod where a large force is repeatedly applied to the fishing rod along the axial direction of the rod body is fishing where repeated casting is performed.

[0014] In a fishing rod of an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the rod body has a diameter change portion. In the diameter change portion, the outer diameter of the rod body expands or contracts along the axial direction of the rod body. The surface layer portion has a first covering portion. The first covering portion covers the diameter change portion. With this configuration, the diameter change portion is covered with a cork sheet, so cork can be easily provided on the surface of the diameter change portion as well. Furthermore, due to the anti-slip effect unique to cork, a large grip force can easily be secured in the diameter change portion, allowing the diameter change portion to be firmly grasped.

[0015] In a fishing rod having a ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the rod body has an irregular cross-sectional portion with a non-circular cross section. The surface layer portion has a second covering portion. The second covering portion covers the irregular cross-sectional portion. With this configuration, the irregular cross-sectional portion is covered with a cork sheet, so cork can be easily provided on the surface of the irregular cross-sectional portion. Furthermore, the anti-slip effect unique to cork makes it easy to ensure a large grip force in the irregular cross-sectional portion, allowing the irregular cross-sectional portion to be firmly grasped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, since the fishing rod body is covered with a cork sheet, it is possible to easily reduce the weight of the fishing rod while still using cork. In addition, since the cork sheet is adhered to the fishing rod body with an adhesive layer, the color and texture unique to cork can be maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a main part of a fishing rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the cork sheet used in the fishing rod. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the cork sheet. [Figure 6] 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams showing the main parts of the cork sheet. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the pattern of the cork sheet. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the pattern of the cork sheet. [Figure 9] 4(a) to 4(c) are cross-sectional views showing the manufacturing process of the main part of the fishing rod. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main part of a fishing rod according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the pattern of the cork sheet. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main part of a fishing rod according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views showing the main parts of a fishing rod according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main part of a fishing rod according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a fishing rod according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A fishing rod according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The axial direction of the fishing rod is the front-to-rear direction, with the tip side being the front side and the butt side being the rear side. The circumferential direction of the fishing rod will simply be referred to as the circumferential direction. The fishing rod in this embodiment is equipped with a reel seat 2 for attaching a reel (not shown). However, the fishing rod may be a so-called full rod that does not have a reel seat 2. In this embodiment, the fishing rod is equipped with a rod body 1 and a reel seat 2.

[0019] <Reel seat 2> The reel seat 2 is cylindrical and is also called a pipe seat. The reel seat 2 is attached to the radially outer side of the rod body 1 at a predetermined position and is fixed so as not to move relative to the rod body 1. The reel seat 2 in this embodiment is for fixing a dual-bearing reel (not shown). In normal use, the dual-bearing reel is located on the upper side of the fishing rod. However, as will be described later, the reel seat 2 may also be one to which a spinning reel is attached.

[0020] The reel seat 2 comprises a cylindrical reel seat body 3 that is immovably attached to the rod body 1, a cylindrical movable hood 4 that is attached to the reel seat body 3 so as to be movable back and forth and that secures the front ends of the reel legs, and a fixed nut 5 that moves the movable hood 4 back and forth. The reel seat body 3 also has a fixed hood 6 that secures the rear ends of the reel legs and a trigger 7 for hooking a finger, which are integrally formed. The fixed hood 6 is formed on the top surface of the reel seat body 3, and the trigger 7 is formed on the bottom surface of the reel seat body 3. The movable hood 4 and the fixed nut 5 are located on the front side of the reel seat body 3.

[0021] The reel seat body 3 is made of a single member. The material of the reel seat body 3 may be synthetic resin, metal, or the like, but is preferably a resin molded product formed by injection molding from a hard synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may be of various types, but fiber-reinforced resin is preferred, and fiber-reinforced resin using short fibers with a length of 1 mm or less as reinforcing fibers is particularly preferred. Furthermore, carbon fiber is preferred as the reinforcing fiber.

[0022] <Rod body 1> The rod body 1 has reinforcing fibers and a first resin. Various types of fibers such as carbon fibers are used as the reinforcing fibers. The first resin is a matrix resin, such as an epoxy resin. The rod body 1 may be cylindrical (hollow) or solid. The cylindrical rod body 1 is formed by winding prepreg around a mandrel and then heating and baking it. The prepreg has reinforcing fibers and the first resin.

[0023] The rod body 1 comprises a main rod body 10 and a grip rod body 11. The main rod body 10 may be hollow or solid, but is hollow in this embodiment. The reel seat 2 is attached to the main rod body 10. The main rod body 10 penetrates the reel seat 2 from front to back. The main rod body 10 may be configured as a single rod or a multiple rod. The main rod body 10 extends forward from the reel seat 2 and also extends rearward from the reel seat 2. The grip rod body 11 is attached to the radially outer side of the rearward extending portion, which is the portion of the main rod body 10 that extends rearward from the reel seat 2. The grip rod body 11 is hollow. The grip rod body 11 is provided on the rear side of the reel seat 2, specifically, it is located immediately behind the reel seat 2 and adjacent to the rear side of the reel seat 2. The grip rod body 11 extends from the reel seat 2 to the rear end of the fishing rod. A butt plug 8 is attached to the rear end of the grip rod body 11. The grip rod body 11 has a grip portion. In this embodiment, the grip rod body 11 has a first grip portion and a second grip portion. The first grip portion is located on the front side, and the second grip portion is located away from the first grip portion on the rear side.

[0024] The grip rod body 11 is made of a single member made of fiber reinforced resin. The grip rod body 11 has a first large diameter portion 21, a small diameter portion 22, and a second large diameter portion 23. The first large diameter portion 21 forms the front portion of the grip rod body 11. The first large diameter portion 21 is adjacent to the rear side of the reel seat 2. As shown in Figure 3(a), the first large diameter portion 21 is circular in cross section. The main rod body 10 is inserted radially inside the first large diameter portion 21. An annular space is formed radially between the first large diameter portion 21 and the main rod body 10. The first large diameter portion 21 forms the first grip portion. The first large diameter portion 21 is mainly held by the hand that holds the reel. For example, when holding the reel with the right hand, the first large diameter portion 21 is held by the right hand.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the small diameter portion 22 is circular in cross section. The small diameter portion 22 has a smaller diameter than the first large diameter portion 21. The small diameter portion 22 is located rearward of the first large diameter portion 21 and forward of the second large diameter portion 23. The small diameter portion 22 is located between the first large diameter portion 21 and the second large diameter portion 23 in the front-rear direction. The small diameter portion 22 constitutes the middle portion of the grip rod body 11. The main rod body 10 is fixed to the small diameter portion 22. The outer peripheral surface of the main rod body 10 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22. The first large diameter portion 21 and the small diameter portion 22 are coaxial with each other. A first diameter changing portion 24 is provided between the first large diameter portion 21 and the small diameter portion 22 in the front-rear direction. The first diameter changing portion 24 connects the first large diameter portion 21 and the small diameter portion 22 in the front-rear direction. In the first diameter changing portion 24, the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the rear. That is, the first diameter changing portion 24 is a diameter reducing portion whose diameter decreases toward the rear side.

[0026] The second large diameter portion 23 is located rearward of the small diameter portion 22. The second large diameter portion 23 constitutes the rear portion of the grip rod body 11. The second large diameter portion 23 has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the second large diameter portion 23 is non-circular in cross section. The second large diameter portion 23 is an irregular cross-sectional portion having a non-circular cross section. The cross-sectional shape of the second large diameter portion 23 may be various, for example, a polygonal cross section, such as an inverted trapezoid or an inverted triangle cross section. The second large diameter portion 23 constitutes a second grip portion. The second large diameter portion 23 is held by the hand opposite the hand holding the reel during double casting. For example, when holding the reel with the right hand during double casting, the second large diameter portion 23 is held by the left hand.

[0027] A second diameter changing section 25 is provided between the small diameter section 22 and the second large diameter section 23 in the front-rear direction. In the second diameter changing section 25, the outer diameter gradually increases toward the rear side. That is, the second diameter changing section 25 is an expanding diameter section whose diameter increases toward the rear side. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the second diameter changing section 25 gradually changes from circular to non-circular toward the rear side. Therefore, the second diameter changing section 25 is also a cross-sectional shape changing section whose cross-sectional shape gradually changes toward the rear side. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape changes from circular to inverted trapezoidal while increasing in diameter from the small diameter section 22 to the second large diameter section 23.

[0028] <Surface layer 30> The fishing rod has a surface layer portion 30 that covers the rod body 1. The surface layer portion 30 constitutes the outermost layer. The surface layer portion 30 has a cork sheet 31. The cork sheet 31 will be described later. In this embodiment, the surface layer portion 30 is provided on the grip rod body 11. The surface layer portion 30 is provided over the entire length of the grip rod body 11 and over the entire circumference of the grip rod body 11. The surface layer portion 30 covers the entire length and circumference of the grip rod body 11. The surface layer portion 30 has a first cover portion 41 that covers the first diameter changing portion 24, a second cover portion 42 that covers the second large diameter portion 23, a third cover portion 43 that covers the first large diameter portion 21, a fourth cover portion 44 that covers the small diameter portion 22, and a fifth cover portion 45 that covers the second diameter changing portion 25.

[0029] <Adhesive layer 32> As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3(a), the fishing rod is provided with an adhesive layer 32 that bonds the rod body 1 and the surface layer portion 30. In this embodiment, the surface layer portion 30 is provided radially outside the grip rod body 11. Therefore, the adhesive layer 32 is provided between the grip rod body 11 and the surface layer portion 30. The adhesive layer 32 is provided over the entire outer circumferential surface of the grip rod body 11, but may also be provided over only a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the grip rod body 11. The thickness of the adhesive layer 32 is thinner than the thickness of the grip rod body 11 and thinner than the thickness of the surface layer portion 30. The adhesive layer 32 is made of various adhesives and contains a second resin different from the first resin described above. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a heat-sensitive adhesive.

[0030] <Cork Sheet 31> A cork sheet 31 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the grip rod body 11. The cork sheet 31 is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the grip rod body 11. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the cork sheet 31 is attached over the entire length and circumference of the grip rod body 11, covering the entire length and circumference of the grip rod body 11.

[0031] The cork sheet 31 is a laminated sheet. The thickness of the laminated sheet is preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The thickness of the laminated sheet is preferably equal to or less than the thickness of the grip rod body 11. The details of the laminated sheet are shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 shows the cork grain 33 from FIG. 4 without the cork grain 33. A missing portion 34, which will be described later, crosses the grain 33. The laminated sheet is made up of multiple strip-shaped cork pieces 35. One strip-shaped cork piece 35 is shown in FIG. 6(b). The strip-shaped cork pieces 35 extend along a first direction X. The first direction X is the extension direction of the strip-shaped cork pieces 35, which is the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped cork pieces 35. The cork grain 33 extends in the first direction X.

[0032] The multiple strip-shaped cork pieces 35 are lined up in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The second direction Y is the direction in which the strip-shaped cork pieces 35 are arranged side by side, and is the short-side direction (width direction) of the strip-shaped cork pieces 35. Adjacent strip-shaped cork pieces 35 are joined together at a first joining line 36. The first joining line 36 is aligned with the first direction X. In other words, the multiple strip-shaped cork pieces 35 are joined together in the second direction Y. The width of the strip-shaped cork pieces 35 (the dimension in the second direction Y) is constant along the first direction X. The widths of the multiple strip-shaped cork pieces 35 may be the same or different from one another. In this embodiment, the widths of the multiple strip-shaped cork pieces 35 are different from one another and random.

[0033] The strip-shaped cork piece 35 is composed of multiple lamina pieces 37 joined in the first direction X. The lamina pieces 37 are thinly sliced from small cork plates. The lamina pieces 37 are arranged side by side in the first direction X. The lamina pieces 37 are elongated in the first direction X, specifically, rectangular shapes elongated in the first direction X. The lengths of the multiple lamina pieces 37 in one strip-shaped cork piece 35 in the first direction X may be the same or different from one another. In this embodiment, the lengths are different from one another and are random. One lamina piece 37 is shown in FIG. 6( a). Adjacent lamina pieces 37 are joined at a second joining line 38. The second joining line 38 is aligned along the second direction Y. That is, the short sides of adjacent lamina pieces 37 in the first direction X are joined at the second joining line 38. In this manner, the assembled sheet is an assembly of numerous lamina pieces 37.

[0034] The lamina pieces 37 have defects 34, where the cork is partially missing. The defects 34 are of various types, such as defects that were originally present in the cork itself or defects that were created during processing. Therefore, the shapes and locations of the defects 34 vary widely. However, most defects 34 are elongated in the second direction Y, and some reach the first joining line 36, while others are located on the second joining line 38. Since cork is porous, the defects 34 may be reticulated. Such defects 34 are preferably filled by sealing, as described below.

[0035] Such a cork sheet 31 is cut into a predetermined shape and attached to the outer peripheral surface of the grip rod 11. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the cork sheet 31 is attached over the entire length and circumference of the grip rod 11, covering the entire length and circumference of the grip rod 11. The first direction X of the strip-shaped cork pieces 35 of the cork sheet 31 is aligned with the circumferential direction. Therefore, the surface layer 30 has a first direction portion 51 in which the first direction X is aligned with the circumferential direction.

[0036] 7(a) shows a schematic diagram of the pattern of the cork sheet 31 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the cork sheet 31 is made of a single piece of cork sheet, and this single piece of cork sheet 31 covers the entire grip rod body 11 and constitutes the entire surface layer 30.

[0037] The cork sheet 31 is adhered to the radially outer side of the outer circumferential surface of the grip rod body 11. Therefore, an adhesive layer 32 made of an adhesive for adhering the cork sheet 31 to the grip rod body 11 is formed between the cork sheet 31 and the grip rod body 11. When adhering the cork sheet 31 to the grip rod body 11, the adhesive may be applied to the back surface of the cork sheet 31 in advance, or conversely, the adhesive may be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the grip rod body 11, or the adhesive may be applied to both the back surface of the cork sheet 31 and the outer circumferential surface of the grip rod body 11.

[0038] The cork sheet 31 is preferably sealed (sealing treatment), and the surface layer 30 preferably has a sealed portion. Sealing is a process in which minute holes and irregularities on the surface of the cork sheet 31 are filled with a sealing material. As the sealing material, various powders are preferably used, and abrasive powder is preferably used. The sealing material is mixed with a liquid such as water, applied to the cork sheet 31, and then dried.

[0039] As described above, the cork sheet 31 has a missing portion 34. The missing portion 34 is preferably filled by sealing. As shown in FIG. 3(a), sealing the missing portion 34 provides a first sealing portion 61 made of a sealing material in the missing portion 34. By sealing the surface of the cork sheet 31, the missing portion 34 is filled with the sealing material, and the unevenness of the surface of the cork sheet 31 is smoothed by the sealing material, improving the smoothness of the surface of the cork sheet 31. The sealing may be performed before or after attaching the cork sheet 31 to the grip rod body 11, but is preferably performed after attaching the cork sheet 31 to the grip rod body 11.

[0040] The cork sheet 31 is wrapped around the grip rod body 11, and both circumferential ends of the cork sheet 31 are overlapped and bonded together. The second end 31b is overlapped radially outward of the first circumferential end 31a of the cork sheet 31. The first circumferential end 31a of the cork sheet 31 may be either of the two circumferential ends of the cork sheet 31. The surface layer 30 is provided with a first overlapping portion 71, where both circumferential ends of the cork sheet 31 are overlapped together. The position and number of the first overlapping portion 71 are arbitrary, but as an example, a configuration in which the first overlapping portion 71 is provided at one location around the entire circumference is shown.

[0041] FIG. 9 shows an outline of the process for wrapping the cork sheet 31. First, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the cork sheet 31 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the grip rod body 11, and the second end 31b of the cork sheet 31 is overlapped radially outward of the first end 31a. While the overlapped state may be left as is, it is preferable to polish the first overlapping portion 71 after this. FIG. 9(b) shows the state of the first overlapping portion 71 after polishing. In FIG. 9(b), the two-dot chain line indicates the first overlapping portion 71 before polishing, and the solid line indicates the first overlapping portion 71 after polishing. It is preferable to seal the first overlapping portion 71 after polishing. Sealing may be performed only near the first overlapping portion 71, or it may be performed on the entire surface of the cork sheet 31. In either case, sealing the area near the first overlapping portion 71 provides a second sealing portion 62 made of a sealing material in the first overlapping portion 71.

[0042] The second sealing portion 62 covers at least a portion of the first overlapping portion 71 and smooths out any unevenness or irregularities in the first overlapping portion 71. This is particularly effective when the first overlapping portion 71, i.e., the second end portion 31b in this embodiment, has a missing portion 34 or a crack. The second end portion 31b may be formed in a straight line or in a jagged shape. Therefore, by sealing the first overlapping portion 71, unevenness in the surface direction and thickness direction of the first overlapping portion 71 is reduced, making the first overlapping portion 71 less noticeable. Note that while FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which only a portion of the entire thickness of the second end portion 31b has been polished, the entire thickness of the second end portion 31b may also be polished.

[0043] As described above, the surface layer 30 made of the cork sheet 31 is provided on the surface of the grip rod body 11, making the fishing rod lighter than a configuration with a cork tube attached. Furthermore, unlike a cork tube, the thin cork sheet 31 provides excellent sensitivity when gripping the grip rod body 11, transmitting vibrations to the hand with high sensitivity. Moreover, because the cork sheet 31 is adhered to the grip rod body 11 with the adhesive layer 32, the texture and color of the cork sheet 31 are less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, because the cork sheet 31 is made of a composite sheet rather than a sheet made of crushed cork, it is possible to achieve the same realistic cork texture as a cork tube, creating a luxurious feel. Because the missing portions 34 of the cork sheet 31 are filled with the first sealing portions 61, even a thin cork sheet 31 can maintain the same appearance as a cork tube.

[0044] Furthermore, since the cork sheet 31 is provided with the first overlapping portion 71, the cork sheet 31 can be easily attached to the entire circumference of the grip rod body 11. This prevents gaps from occurring between both circumferential ends of the cork sheet 31, and also prevents the grip rod body 11 from being exposed through those gaps. This is particularly effective when there is a missing portion 34 at the circumferential end of the cork sheet 31. Furthermore, since the surface layer portion 30 has the first directional portion 51, it is suitable for fishing that requires repeated casting, and it is possible to prevent the cork from being damaged or missing holes.

[0045] The surface layer 30 is provided with a first cover 41 that covers the first diameter changing portion 24 and a fifth cover 45 that covers the second diameter changing portion 25. In the case of a cork tube, it is difficult to process it, and therefore it is not easy to attach the cork tube to the first diameter changing portion 24 or the second diameter changing portion 25. On the other hand, the first cover 41 and the fifth cover 45 are made of a thin cork sheet 31, and therefore can easily adapt to the shapes of the first diameter changing portion 24 and the second diameter changing portion 25. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the second diameter changing portion 25 also changes in the front-to-rear direction, but because it is made of a cork sheet 31, it can easily adapt to changes in the shape of the grip rod body 11, and the fifth cover 45 can be easily formed.

[0046] Similarly, the surface layer 30 is provided with a second cover 42 that covers the second large diameter portion 23. The second large diameter portion 23 has an irregular cross section, but because it is made of the cork sheet 31, the second cover 42 can be easily formed. The outer diameter and cross section change from the first large diameter portion 21 through the small diameter portion 22 to the second large diameter portion 23, and the cork sheet 31 covers the entire grip rod body 11. Unlike a cork tube, the surface layer 30 is formed from the thin cork sheet 31, so it can easily accommodate large undulations on the outer peripheral surface of the grip rod body 11, and cork can be easily provided over the entire surface of the grip rod body 11.

[0047] In this embodiment, the cork sheet 31 is made up of one piece, but it may be made up of multiple pieces. For example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the cork sheet 31 may be made up of three pieces divided into three pieces in the front and rear. In this case, the surface layer 30 may be provided with a second overlapping portion (not shown) where adjacent cork sheets 31 in the front and rear overlap each other. Furthermore, the cork sheet 31 may be divided not only in the front and rear but also in the circumferential direction.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(a), a cutout 74 may be provided in the cork sheet 31, or as shown in Figure 8(b), a notch 75 may be provided in the cork sheet 31. In these cases, a third overlapping portion (not shown) may be provided in the surface layer portion 30, where the ends of the cork sheet 31 located on both sides of the cutout 74 or the notch 75 overlap each other.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the surface layer 30 includes a first direction portion 51 in which the first direction X of the sheet assembly is aligned with the circumferential direction. However, the surface layer 30 may include a second direction portion 52 in which the first direction X is aligned with the front-to-rear direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second direction portion 52 may be provided over the entire surface layer 30. Note that the first overlapping portion 71 is not shown in FIG. 10. A fishing rod having a grip rod body 11 with a second direction portion 52 is suitable for fishing such as jigging, where large forces are likely to act in the circumferential direction, and can prevent damage to the cork or missing holes. The cork sheet 31 can be a single-piece pattern as shown in FIG. 11(a). However, a three-piece cork sheet 31 divided into three parts, front and back, may also be used as shown in FIG. 11(b).

[0050] Furthermore, the first direction section 51 and the second direction section 52 may be provided together. For example, the first direction section 51 and the second direction section 52 may be provided so as to divide the grip rod body 11 into a front and a rear section. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first direction section 51 may be provided in the front part of the grip rod body 11 so as to cover the first large diameter section 21 and the first diameter changing section 24, and the second direction section 52 may be provided from the middle to the rear part of the grip rod body 11 so as to cover the small diameter section 22, the second diameter changing section 25, and the second large diameter section 23. It is preferable that a second overlapping section 72, where the ends of the cork sheet 31 overlap, be provided at the boundary between the first direction section 51 and the second direction section 52.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cork sheet 31 covers the entire grip rod body 11, that is, the surface layer portion 30 is provided on the entire grip rod body 11. However, the surface layer portion 30 may be provided on only a portion of the grip rod body 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the surface layer portion 30 may be provided on the front and rear portions of the grip rod body 11, and the surface layer portion 30 may not be provided on the middle portion of the grip rod body 11, so that the grip rod body 11 is exposed. In the figure, the exposed portions of the grip rod body 11 are indicated by a number of dots. In FIG. 13(a), both the front and rear surface layer portions 30 are composed of the first direction portion 51. In FIG. 13(b), the front surface layer portion 30 is composed of the first direction portion 51, and the rear surface layer portion 30 is composed of the second direction portion 52. As shown in FIG. 14, the surface layer portion 30 may be provided only on the front portion of the grip rod body 11, and the middle and rear portions of the grip rod body 11 may be exposed.

[0052] Furthermore, although the grip rod body 11 in the above embodiment was configured to have two grip sections, one at the front and one at the back, as shown in Figures 15 to 17, a grip section may be provided only on the rear side. The grip rod body 11 is equipped with a small diameter section 22 extending rearward from the reel seat 2, a second diameter changing section 25 provided adjacent to the rear side of the small diameter section 22, and a second large diameter section 23 provided adjacent to the rear side of the second diameter changing section 25. The second large diameter section 23 is a non-circular cross-sectional section and is a grip section. The reel seat 2 is suitable for spinning reels. The movable hood 4 and fixing nut 5 are located on the rear side of the reel seat main body 3. The main rod body 10 and the grip rod body 11 are joined together and integrated on the radially inner side of the reel seat 2.

[0053] A surface layer 30 is provided on a portion of the entire length of the grip rod body 11 that extends rearward from the reel seat 2. The surface layer 30 is provided over the entire small diameter portion 22, the second diameter changing portion 25, and the second large diameter portion 23. Therefore, the surface layer 30 has, in order from the front side, a fourth cover portion 44 that covers the small diameter portion 22, a fifth cover portion 45 that covers the second diameter changing portion 25, and a second cover portion 42 that covers the second large diameter portion 23.

[0054] The cork sheet 30 is divided into two sections, front and rear. The front portion of the surface layer 30 is the first direction section 51. The rear portion of the surface layer 30 may be the first direction section 51 or the second direction section 52, but is instead the third direction section 53, in which the first direction X of the assembled sheet is inclined relative to the front-rear and circumferential directions. A second overlapping section 72 is preferably provided at the boundary between the first direction section 51 and the third direction section 53, where the ends of the front and rear cork sheets 31 overlap. The third direction section 53 also has a first overlapping section 71. The cork sheet 31 constituting the third direction section 53 preferably has the aforementioned cutout 74 or notch 75, and therefore the third direction section 53 preferably has a third overlapping section 73. The third overlapping section 73 is formed by overlapping the ends of the cork sheets 31 on both sides of the cutout 74 or notch 75.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the surface layer portion 30 is provided on the grip rod body 11, but the surface layer portion 30 may also be provided on the main rod body 10. When a grip portion is provided forward of the reel seat 2, the surface layer portion 30 may also be provided on the grip portion. The surface layer portion 30 may also be provided on a portion other than the grip portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Rod body 2 reel seats 3 Reel seat body 4 Movable hood 5 Fixing nut 6 Fixed Hood 7 Triggers 8 Butt Plugs 10 Main rod body 11 Grip rod body 21 First large diameter section 22 Small diameter section 23 Second large diameter section (irregular cross section) 24 First diameter change section 25 Second diameter change section 30 Surface layer 31 Cork Sheet 31a First end 31b Second end 32 Adhesive layer 33 Wood Grain 34 Missing part 35 Cork strips 36 1st joining line 37 Lamina fragment 38 Second joining line 41 First cover part 42 Second cover part 43 Third Cover 44 Fourth Cover 45 5th Cover 51 First direction section 52 Second direction section 53 Third direction section 61 First sealing part 62 Second sealing part 71 First overlapping section 72 Second overlapping section 73 Second overlapping section 74 Notch 75 Notch

Claims

1. A rod body made of a fiber reinforced resin having a first resin; A surface layer portion having a cork sheet covering the rod body; an adhesive layer provided between the rod body and the surface layer portion, which adheres the rod body and the surface layer portion, and which contains a second resin different from the first resin; A fishing rod equipped with

2. 2. The fishing rod according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer has a first overlapping portion where both end portions of the cork sheet in the circumferential direction of the rod body overlap each other.

3. 3. The fishing rod according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer has a sealing portion that seals the cork sheet.

4. The surface layer portion has a missing portion where the cork sheet is missing, The fishing rod according to claim 3 , wherein the sealing portion includes a first sealing portion that fills the missing portion.

5. The surface layer has a first overlapping portion where both ends of the cork sheet in the circumferential direction of the fishing rod body overlap each other, The fishing rod according to claim 3 , wherein the sealing portion includes a second sealing portion provided at the first overlapping portion.

6. 3. The fishing rod according to claim 1, wherein the cork sheet includes an assembled sheet in which strip-shaped cork pieces extending in a first direction are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The fishing rod according to claim 6 , wherein the surface layer portion has a first direction portion in which the first direction is along the circumferential direction of the rod body.

8. The rod body has a diameter changing section whose outer diameter increases or decreases along the axial direction of the rod body, The fishing rod according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface layer portion has a first cover portion that covers the diameter changing portion.

9. The rod body has a non-circular irregular cross-sectional portion, The fishing rod according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface layer portion has a second cover portion that covers the irregular cross-section portion.

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