Reel seat, fishing rod including reel seat, and mold apparatus for reel seat

Abstract

A reel seat for connecting a reel to the rod tube of a fishing rod, a fishing rod including the reel seat, and a mold device for the reel seat are provided. [Solution] The reel seat includes a rear body for fixing the rear leg, a front body spaced forward from the rear body along the central axis of the rod tube, and a movable hood movably coupled to the front body for fixing the front leg to the front body. The rear body has a rear cylindrical portion coupled to the rod tube and a fixed hood portion covering the rear leg, and includes a rear grip portion surrounding the rear cylindrical portion and a rear attachment portion positioned between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion, configured to secure the rear leg. The front body includes a front cylindrical portion coupled to the rod tube and the movable hood, a front attachment portion positioned in the front cylindrical portion to secure the front leg, and a front grip portion that forms part of the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion on the opposite side of the front attachment portion and is housed in the movable hood.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reel seat for fixing a fishing reel and a fishing rod including such a reel seat. The present disclosure also relates to a mold device used for injection molding the reel seat.

Background Art

[0002] A reel used for fishing is connected to a rod tube of a fishing rod by a reel seat. As an example of a reel seat, a reel seat referred to as a pipe reel seat is known in the art. The reel seat of the pipe reel seat has a seat body formed in a pipe shape. The rod tube of the fishing rod is inserted into the seat body in the axial direction of the rod tube and coupled to the seat body.

[0003] The reel has two reel legs for attachment to the reel seat. The seat body of the reel seat has a fixed hood for fixing one of the two reel legs. A movable hood for fixing the other of the two reel legs is movably coupled to the seat body in the axial direction of the rod tube.

[0004] One example of a fishing reel is the double-axis reel or baitcasting reel. In a baitcasting reel, the spool on which the fishing line is wound is located above the reel seat, the spool's rotating shaft is positioned perpendicular to the rod tube, and both ends of the rotating shaft are supported. This allows the baitcasting reel to be secured to the upper side of the seat body by two reel legs. Another example of a fishing reel is the spinning reel. In a spinning reel, the spool is located below the reel seat, the spool's rotating shaft is positioned axially with the rod tube, and one end of the rotating shaft is supported. This allows the spinning reel to be secured to the lower side of the seat body by two reel legs.

[0005] In baitcasting fishing, anglers can perform casting, hooking, retrieving, or feel a bite while the rod is stationary. Casting refers to the action of the angler swinging the rod to release the rig. Hooking refers to the action of the angler setting the hook in the fish's mouth. Retrieving refers to the action of the angler reeling in the line and rig. A bite refers to the vibration signal transmitted to the fishing rod when a fish bites the lure.

[0006] To facilitate the aforementioned actions for the angler, the reel seat body must be lightweight and designed to provide comfortable handling in the angler's hand. Furthermore, to allow the angler to easily detect a bite, the reel seat body must be designed to have high bite transmission capabilities.

[0007] A fish bite can be transmitted from the fishing line to the reel seat body as a weak vibration, which can be applied to the reel seat body very delicately. A skilled angler can firmly grip the reel seat body with their ring and little fingers, while relaxing their index and middle fingers and allowing them to touch the reel seat body, in order to feel a subtle bite. An inexperienced angler, on the other hand, usually grips the reel seat body too tightly and therefore cannot perceive a subtle bite. Thus, the reel seat body needs to be designed to accurately transmit the bite to the fingertips, allowing both skilled and inexperienced anglers to detect subtle bites.

[0008] However, conventional pipe reel seats are designed to provide an appropriate grip for the angler's fingers by changing the surface shape of the seat body. Conventional pipe reel seats are not designed to satisfy both the two design requirements of reducing the weight of the reel seat and improving the performance of transmitting fish bites. In fishing using baitcasting reels, the role of the angler's index finger is important from the standpoint of the operability of the reel seat. However, conventional pipe reel seats are not designed with the consideration of improving operability or fish bite transmission performance, taking into account the role of the index finger. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-003942 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-063674 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The disclosed embodiments provide a reel seat that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. At least one embodiment of the disclosure provides a lightweight reel seat. At least one embodiment of the disclosure provides a reel seat that can provide improved operability to the index finger and reliably transmit fish bites to the index finger. Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the disclosure provides a mold apparatus used for injection molding a lightweight reel seat exhibiting improved fish bite transmission performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The disclosed embodiments relate to a reel seat for connecting a reel having a rear leg and a front leg to the rod tube of a fishing rod. A reel seat according to one embodiment includes a rear body, a front body, and a movable hood. The rear body is configured to secure the rear leg of the reel. The front body is separated from the rear body and is spaced forward from the rear body along the central axis of the rod tube. The movable hood is movably coupled to the front body and is configured to press and secure the front leg against the front body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rear body includes a rear cylindrical section, a rear gripping section, and a rear anchoring section. The rear cylindrical section is configured to be connected to a shaft. The rear gripping section has a fixed hood section configured to cover the rear legs, and the rear gripping section is connected to the rear cylindrical section so as to surround it. The rear anchoring section is positioned between the rear cylindrical section and the rear gripping section, opposite the fixed hood section. The rear anchoring section is connected to the rear cylindrical section and the rear gripping section, and is configured to anchor the rear legs. The front body includes a front cylindrical section, a front anchoring section, and a front gripping section. The front cylindrical section is configured to be connected to a shaft and a movable hood. The front anchoring section is positioned on the front cylindrical section along the central axis opposite the rear anchoring section, and is configured to anchor the front legs. The front gripping section is positioned on the opposite side of the front anchoring section, forms part of the outer surface of the front cylindrical section, and is housed in the movable hood.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rear body includes a rear recess formed as a space limited by a rear cylindrical portion, a rear gripping portion, and a rear anchoring portion. The rear recess is recessed rearward from the front end of the rear gripping portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rear recess may taper toward the rear end of the rear body with a taper angle in the range of more than 0° to 3° or less with respect to the central axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rear body includes an annular groove that recesses forward from the rear end of the rear gripping portion and is formed between the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion and the inner surface of the rear gripping portion, and a partition wall formed between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear gripping portion that separates the rear recess and the annular groove.

[0016] In one embodiment, the rear body further includes a trigger portion located on the opposite side of the rear mounting portion with respect to the central axis. The trigger portion includes a through hole extending along the central axis.

[0017] In one embodiment, the trigger portion includes a rim portion that has an inner edge defining the through hole and protrudes from the rear grip portion. The rim portion may include a forward convex surface that curves forward and a rear concave surface located on the opposite side of the forward convex surface and curved backward. The rear grip portion may include a concave curved surface portion located above the through hole and curved concave toward the central axis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rear gripping portion may include a front end chamfer formed along the front end of the rear gripping portion and inclined toward the central axis.

[0019] In one embodiment, the front cylindrical portion includes a rear end chamfer formed along the rear end of the front cylindrical portion and inclined toward the central axis. The front mounting portion and the front gripping portion are connected to the rear end chamfer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the front gripping portion extends forward from the rear chamfer portion and is configured to project in the outer radial direction of the central axis with respect to the front cylindrical portion. The movable hood includes a movable hood portion configured to move along the side edge of the front gripping portion and be positioned on the opposite side of the front gripping portion in the vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis, and press and fix the front leg to the front mounting portion, and a housing portion formed as a space adjacent to the movable hood portion in the vertical direction and housing the front gripping portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, on the outer periphery of the front cylindrical portion between the front gripping portion and the front end of the front cylindrical portion, there are a male screw coupled to the movable hood, a guide groove extending from the front end of the front cylindrical portion through the male screw to the front gripping portion to guide the movement of the movable hood, and it can include a side recess recessed inside the front cylindrical portion and disposed between the male screw and the front gripping portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the front body is viewed in a side view, the front gripping portion has a lower end contour line curved convexly toward the central axis. The front cylindrical portion can have a thickness within the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm at the uppermost point of the lower end contour line closest to the central axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the front body is viewed in a side view, the front end point of the lower end contour line can be located between a first virtual line parallel to the central axis and passing through the uppermost point, and a second virtual line passing through the uppermost point and inclined at an angle of 5° to 15° in the direction from the first virtual line to the front end point.

[0024] In one embodiment, when the front body is viewed in a cross-sectional view, at the boundary between the rear chamfer portion and the front gripping portion, the front gripping portion can have an outer peripheral contour line that is a part of the circumferential line of an ellipse.

[0025] In one embodiment, the rear body and the front body are made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin and are independently injection molded.

[0026] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments relate to a fishing rod including a reel seat. The fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod tube and the aforementioned reel seat according to one embodiment which is coupled to the rod tube.

[0027] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments relate to a mold apparatus for a reel seat used for injection molding a reel seat.

[0028] A mold apparatus for a reel seat according to one embodiment is used for injection molding a rear body for a reel seat. The rear body for a reel seat includes a rear cylindrical portion having a rear bore that is coupled to the rod tube of a fishing rod along the central axis of the rod tube, a fixed hood portion that covers the rear leg of the reel, a rear grip portion coupled to the rear cylindrical portion so as to surround the rear cylindrical portion, a rear mounting portion positioned between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion opposite the fixed hood portion and coupled to the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion, to which the rear leg is secured, a rear recess formed as a space limited by the rear cylindrical portion, the rear grip portion and the rear mounting portion, recessed rearward from the front end of the rear grip portion and tapered toward the rear end of the rear grip portion, an annular groove recessed forward from the rear end of the rear grip portion and formed between the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion and the inner surface of the rear grip portion, and a partition wall portion formed between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion that separates the rear recess and the annular groove.

[0029] The reel seat mold apparatus used to injection mold the aforementioned rear body for the reel seat includes a fixed mold and a movable mold that can be coupled to the fixed mold along a central axis. The fixed mold includes a molding cavity formed for injection molding the rear body and a tapered pin that protrudes along the central axis toward the movable mold within the molding cavity, forming a rear recess and tapering toward the movable mold. The movable mold includes a bottom that closes the molding cavity and a core pin that protrudes from the bottom and is inserted into the molding cavity to form a rear bore. After the rear body is injection molded, the movable mold is separated from the fixed mold along the central axis, and the rear body is removed from the molding cavity along the central axis.

[0030] The aforementioned rear body for the reel seat may further include a trigger portion having a rim portion protruding from the rear gripping portion and a through hole limited by the inner edge of the rim portion and extending through along the central axis. The movable mold may further include a projection formed at the bottom, inserted into the molded cavity, and forming a through hole.

[0031] Another embodiment of the mold apparatus for a reel seat is used for injection molding the front body of the reel seat.

[0032] The front body for the reel seat includes a front cylindrical section having a front bore that is coupled to the rod tube of a fishing rod along the central axis of the rod tube; a front mounting section positioned at one end of the front cylindrical section in a vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis, to which the front leg of the reel is mounted; and a front gripping section positioned on the opposite side of the front mounting section, formed as part of the outer surface of the front cylindrical section, and projecting radially outward from the central axis relative to the front cylindrical section. The front cylindrical section of the front body includes a rear end chamfer formed along the rear end of the front cylindrical section, inclined toward the central axis, and connected to the front mounting section and the front gripping section; a male screw formed on the outer circumference of the front cylindrical section between the front gripping section and the front end of the front cylindrical section; a pair of guide grooves facing each other with respect to the central axis, each extending from the front end of the front cylindrical section through the male screw to the front gripping section; and a pair of lateral recesses formed between the male screw and the front gripping section, recessed inward from the front cylindrical section, and facing each other with respect to the central axis.

[0033] The reel seat mold apparatus used to injection mold the aforementioned front body for the reel seat includes a fixed mold, a movable mold, and a slide core block. The fixed mold includes a first molding cavity formed to injection mold the right half of the front body with respect to the central axis. The movable mold includes a second molding cavity formed to injection mold the left half of the front body with respect to the central axis. The movable mold is coupled to the fixed mold in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the central axis and passing through a pair of guide grooves. The slide core block includes a slide core inserted into the first and second molding cavities and forming a front bore and a pair of guide grooves. The slide core block is movable with the movable mold in an inclined direction between the central axis and the horizontal direction. After the front body is injection molded, the movable mold is separated from the fixed mold in the horizontal direction, the slide core block moves from the fixed mold in the inclined direction with the movable mold, and the front body is removed from the movable mold in the horizontal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The reel seat according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes a rear body and a front body that are separated and spaced apart from each other along the central axis of the rod tube. Thus, the reel seat is lightweight and the angler's middle finger can directly contact the surface of the rod tube exposed between the rear body and the front body.

[0035] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the rear body having a rear recess and an annular groove can be lightweight. Furthermore, the trigger portion having a rim and a through hole can contribute to the weight reduction of the rear body and can exhibit sufficient strength to resist breakage.

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the front body having a rear chamfer and a lateral recess can be lightweight.

[0037] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the front gripping portion having a lower end contour line that curves concavely toward the central axis can provide improved operability to the index finger and reliably transmit bites to the index finger.

[0038] The mold apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure allows for easy injection molding of a lightweight rear body by enabling the removal of the injection-molded rear body along the central axis of the shaft tube. Accordingly, the mold apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure can eliminate the use of complex parts such as slide cores, and can realize a simplified mold structure.

[0039] The mold apparatus according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a rear end chamfer and a lateral recess, which allows for easy molding of the lightweight front body of the reel seat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a fishing rod according to one embodiment, including a reel seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged side view of the fishing rod. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing a reel seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a side view of the rear body. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a top view of the rear body. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the rear body. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the rear body. [Figure 9] Figure 3 is a rear view of the rear body. [Figure 10] Figure 3 is a front view of the rear body. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in Figure 9. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in Figure 9. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in Figure 10. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in Figure 10. [Figure 15] Figure 3 is a side view of the front body and movable hood. [Figure 16] Figure 3 shows the front body and bottom view of the movable hood. [Figure 17] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the movable hood shown. [Figure 18] This is a side view showing an example of a reel seat fixing a reel according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 3 is a side view of the front body. [Figure 20] Figure 3 is a top view of the front body. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 3 is a front view of the front body. [Figure 23] Figure 3 is a rear view of the front body. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 in Figure 19. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 in Figure 19. [Figure 26] This is a side view showing an example of an angler fishing using a fishing rod including a reel seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 27] This is an enlarged view of Figure 26. [Figure 28] This is a side view showing a portion of a fishing rod according to another embodiment, including a reel seat according to another embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the reel seat. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a side view of the rear body. [Figure 31] Figure 29 is a bottom view of the rear body. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 in Figure 31. [Figure 33] Figure 29 is a downward perspective view of the rear body. [Figure 34] Figure 29 is a rear view of the rear body. [Figure 35]Figure 29 is a front view of the rear body. [Figure 36] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 in Figure 35. [Figure 37] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 in Figure 35. [Figure 38] This is a perspective view showing an example of a mold device for a reel seat used for injection molding the rear body of a reel seat. [Figure 39] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing an example of a mold device for a reel seat used for injection molding the front body of a reel seat. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown. [Figure 42] Figure 41 is a perspective view showing the fixed mold and movable mold of the mold apparatus in a combined state. [Figure 43] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] The embodiments described herein are illustrative for the purpose of illustrating the technical concept of this disclosure. The scope of rights under this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific descriptions relating thereto.

[0042] All technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have meanings that would be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise defined. All terms used in this disclosure have been chosen for the purpose of further clarifying this disclosure and not to limit the scope of rights granted by this disclosure.

[0043] Expressions such as “includes,” “equipment,” and “possess” as used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms that may include other embodiments, unless otherwise referred to in the phrase or sentence containing such expression.

[0044] Unless otherwise specified, singular expressions described in this disclosure may have plural meanings, and this also applies to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0045] The terms "First," "Second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish between multiple components and do not limit the order or importance of those components.

[0046] Wherever a component is referred to as being “connected” or “joined” with another component in this disclosure, it should be understood that the component can be directly connected to or joined with the other component, or can be connected to or joined with a new other component.

[0047] The dimensions and figures described herein are not limited to those stated. Unless otherwise specified, such dimensions and figures can be understood to mean the stated values ​​and their equivalent ranges.

[0048] In this disclosure, the directional term "forward" refers to the direction pointing towards the tip of the fishing rod, and the directional term "rearward" refers to the direction pointing towards the butt of the fishing rod. For example, in Figure 1, the forward (TD) arrow points forward towards the tip of the fishing rod, and the rearward (BD) arrow points rearward towards the butt of the fishing rod. In this disclosure, the directional terms "upward" and "downward" are based on upward and downward in the attached drawings.

[0049] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, the omission of a description of a component does not mean that such a component is not included in the embodiment.

[0050] Figure 1 is a side view showing a fishing rod according to one embodiment, including a reel seat according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an enlarged side view of the fishing rod shown in Figure 1. Refer to Figures 1 and 2.

[0051] The fishing rod (100) includes a rod tube (120). The rod tube (120) constitutes the body of the fishing rod and can bend elastically during fishing. The rod tube (120) has the shape of an elongated tube. The fishing rod may include one or more rod tubes.

[0052] The fishing rod (100) shown in Figure 1 includes a first rod section (121), a second rod section (122), and a third rod section (123). The first rod section (121) may be referred to as the butt section and forms the butt portion of the fishing rod. The first rod section, the second rod section (122), and the third rod section (123) may be connected such that the rear end of the second rod section (122) fits into the front end of the first rod section (121), and the rear end of the third rod section (123) fits into the front end of the second rod section (122). In another example, the fishing rod may also include multiple rod sections connected in a telescopic manner.

[0053] The fishing rod (100) includes a plurality of fishing line guides (130), which are attached to a second rod tube (122) and a third rod tube (123). The fishing line guides (130) may include a guide ring through which the fishing line can pass and a frame that supports the guide ring and is attached to the rod tube. The fishing line guides (130) guide the fishing line by the guide ring. When the angler casts the rig, the fishing line is released from the reel (140). When the angler catches a fish, the fishing line is wound onto the reel (140).

[0054] The reel (140) shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be referred to as a double-axis reel or a baitcasting reel. The reel (140) has a rear leg (141) and a front leg (142) extending in opposite directions. The rear and front legs (141, 142) are components fixed to the reel seat (110). The rear leg (141) extends in the rearward direction (BD), and the front leg (142) extends in the forward direction (TD).

[0055] A fishing rod (100) includes a reel seat (110) according to one embodiment for fixing and supporting a reel (140). The reel seat (110) can be provided on a rod tube (120) in conjunction with a first rod tube (121) that passes through the reel seat. The reel seat (110) functions to connect the reel (140) to the rod tube (120). The angler can operate the reel (140) with one hand while gripping the reel seat (110) with the other hand. The reel seat (110) according to one embodiment includes a rear body (200) and a front body (300) that can be gripped by the angler. The reel seat (110) according to one embodiment also includes a movable hood (400) that fixes a portion of the reel (140) to the front body (300).

[0056] The rear leg (141) of the reel is fixed to the rear body (200), and the rear body (200) is configured to secure the rear leg (141). The front body (300) is configured so that the front leg (142) of the reel is fixed to the front body (300). The movable hood (400) is movably coupled to the front body (300) and is configured to press and secure the front leg (142) against the front body (300). Since the rear body (200) releasably secures the rear leg (141), and the front body (300) and the movable hood (400) releasably secure the front leg (142), the reel (140) can be removably coupled to the reel seat (110).

[0057] The rear body (200) and the front body (300) are separated from each other and independently connected to the rod tube (120). Since the separated rear and front bodies (200, 300) each support the legs of the reel, the reel seat (110) in one embodiment is lightweight. Furthermore, each of the rear body (200) and the front body (300) is lightweight while having sufficient strength. In addition, the front body (300) is lightweight while being configured to effectively transmit the bite to the angler's hand.

[0058] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a reel seat according to one embodiment. Refer to Figures 2 and 3.

[0059] The rear body (200) and the front body (300) are separate and independent components of the reel seat. The rear body (200) is coupled to the rod tube of the fishing rod (e.g., the first rod tube (121)). The front body (300) is separated forward from the rear body (200) along the central axis (CA) of the rod tube and is coupled to the rod tube of the fishing rod (e.g., the first rod tube (121)). The central axis (CA) of the rod tube may mean a hypothetical axis passing through the center of the circular cross-section of the rod tube in the longitudinal direction of the rod tube. The central axis (CA) of the rod tube may be the central axis of the reel seat (110), and more specifically, the central axes of the rear body (200) and the front body (300).

[0060] The rear body (200) has a rear bore (211) formed along the central axis (CA), into which the rod tube of the fishing rod is inserted. The rear bore (211) is coupled to the rod tube of the fishing rod along the central axis (CA). For example, an adhesive applied between the inner surface of the rear bore (211) and the outer surface of the rod tube can bond the rear body (200) to the rod tube of the fishing rod.

[0061] The front body (300) has a front bore (311) formed along the central axis (CA), into which the rod tube of the fishing rod is inserted. The front bore (311) is coupled to the rod tube of the fishing rod along the central axis (CA). For example, an adhesive applied between the inner surface of the front bore (311) and the outer surface of the rod tube can bond the front body (300) to the rod tube of the fishing rod. The angler can attach the rear body (200) to a predetermined location on the rod tube of the fishing rod by adhesive. The angler can then attach the front body (300) to the rod tube of the fishing rod by adhesive at a position separated forward from the rear body (200). The separation distance between the rear body (200) and the front body (300) may be 27 mm as an example, but can vary depending on the size of the reel to be coupled to the reel seat.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear body (200) and the front body (300) are made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin. The rear body (200) and the front body (300) are reel seat components that are independently injection molded. The rear body (200) is integrally formed by injection molding using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin. The front body (300) is integrally formed by injection molding using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin.

[0063] Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics have lower density and higher tensile strength compared to commonly used glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. For example, a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic with the grade PA12-CF30(L7) is used as the material for the rear and front bodies. In terms of material properties, such a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic can have a tensile strength of 270 MPa, a flexural strength of 340 MPa, a flexural modulus of 17,000 MPa, and a Charpy notch impact strength of 22 kJ / m². 2 The temperature at which deflection occurs under load may be 178°C, and the density may be 1.16 g / cm³. 3 It is possible.

[0064] As a comparative example, a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin having the grade PA66-GF30 can be considered. In the material properties of such a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin, the tensile strength may be 140 MPa, the flexural strength 215 MPa, the flexural modulus 6,800 MPa, and the Charpy notch impact strength 16 kJ / m 2 The temperature of deflection under load may be 262°C, and the density may be 1.37 g / cm³. 3 This is possible. Compared to glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin, carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin, which has lower density and higher tensile strength, constitutes the rear and front bodies of the reel seat. Therefore, the rear and front bodies of the reel seat according to one embodiment can be made lighter and have an even smaller thickness in the parts that come into contact with the angler's fingers.

[0065] Figure 4 is a side view of the rear body shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top view of the rear body shown in Figure 3, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the rear body shown in Figure 3. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the rear body shown in Figure 3. Figures 9 and 10 are the rear view and front view of the rear body shown in Figure 3, respectively. In the following description, refer to Figures 3 to 10.

[0066] In one embodiment, the rear body (200) of the reel seat is connected to the rod tube of a fishing rod and supports the rear leg of the reel. The rear body (200) includes a rear cylindrical portion (210), a rear gripping portion (220), and a rear anchoring portion (230).

[0067] The rear cylindrical section (210) forms the base of the rear body (200) and is configured to connect to the rod tube of the fishing rod. The rear cylindrical section (210) is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a rear bore (211) into which the rod tube of the fishing rod is inserted. The rear bore (211) penetrates the rear cylindrical section (210) along the central axis (CA), and the inner surface of the rear cylindrical section (210) forms the rear bore (211).

[0068] The rear gripping portion (220) can constitute the outermost member of the rear body (200), and for example, it can be configured to be gripped by the ring finger and little finger of a fisherman. The rear gripping portion (220) is coupled to the rear cylindrical portion (210) so as to surround the rear cylindrical portion (210) in the circumferential direction (CD) of the central axis (CA). One end of the rear cylindrical portion (210) in the vertical direction (VD) and the corresponding end of the rear gripping portion (220) are coupled to each other, so that the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220) are integrally formed. The vertical direction (VD) is the direction perpendicular to the central axis (CA) and can be the direction that divides the rear bore (211) into left and right halves. One end of the rear body (200) in the vertical direction (VD) consists of one end of the rear cylindrical portion (210) in the vertical direction (VD) and one end of the rear gripping portion (220) in the vertical direction (VD). The central axis of the rear cylindrical section (210) and the central axis of the rear gripping section (220) may be coaxial with the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The rear gripping section (220) has a fixed hood section (225) configured to cover the rear leg of the reel. The fixed hood section (225) is located on the opposite side of the central axis (CA) from a common end shared by the rear cylindrical section and the rear gripping section.

[0069] The rear gripping portion (220) is inclined rearward with respect to the front end (212) of the rear cylindrical portion and has a front end (221) connected to the front end (212) of the rear cylindrical portion (210). When the rear body is viewed in a side view, the front end of the rear cylindrical portion (210) is exposed, and the fixed hood portion (225) is separated rearward from the front end (212) of the rear cylindrical portion. Because the front end (221) of the rear gripping portion is inclined with respect to the front end (212) of the rear cylindrical portion, the rear body (200) can be designed to have an even shorter overall length and be lightweight. The rear gripping portion (220) may also include a chamfer formed along the front end (221) and inclined toward the central axis (CA).

[0070] The rear mounting portion (230) supports the rear leg of the reel, and the rear leg of the reel is configured to be mounted on the rear mounting portion (230). The rear mounting portion (230) is positioned opposite the fixed hood portion (225) in the vertical direction (VD) and is located between the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220). The rear mounting portion (230) is coupled to the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220) and is formed integrally. As an example, the rear mounting portion (230) may be formed as a pair of projections that protrude horizontally (HD) from the upper end of the rear cylindrical portion (210) and are coupled to the inner surface of the rear gripping portion (220). The horizontal direction (HD) is perpendicular to the central axis (CA) and may be the direction that divides the rear bore of the rear cylindrical portion vertically into two halves.

[0071] When the reel is coupled to the reel seat, the rear leg is inserted into the space between the fixed hood portion (225) and the rear mounting portion (230), and is secured to the surface of the rear mounting portion (230) in the vertical direction (VD). The rear body (200), which is fixed to the rod tube of the fishing rod, fixes and supports the rear leg.

[0072] In one embodiment, the rear body (200) of the reel seat is configured to be lightweight while possessing high strength. To achieve the lightweight nature of the rear body, the rear body (200) has a portion that forms a gap between the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220). Furthermore, the rear body (200) is configured to be easily formed by injection molding while having the aforementioned gap.

[0073] The rear body (200) includes a rear recess (241) recessed rearward from the front end (221) of the rear gripping portion (220) (or the front end of the rear body). The rear recess (241) is formed as a space limited by the rear cylindrical portion (210), the rear gripping portion (220), and the rear mounting portion (230). In detail, the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion (210), the inner surface of the rear gripping portion (220), and the vertical surface of the rear mounting portion (230) limit the rear recess (241). According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the rear body (200) includes a pair of symmetrical rear recesses (241) facing each other with respect to a central axis (CA). Each rear recess (241) includes a space formed by the absence of material constituting the rear body between the front end of the rear gripping portion (220) and the rear cylindrical portion (210). Therefore, the rear body (200) is lighter than the rear body without the rear recess.

[0074] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the rear body (200) includes an annular groove (242) (see Figures 6 and 9) at its rear end, and the annular groove (242) contributes to the lightness of the rear body. The annular groove (242) is recessed forward from the rear end (222) of the rear gripping portion (or the rear end of the rear body). The annular groove (242) is a groove formed in the circumferential direction (CD) of the central axis between the outer surface (214) of the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the inner surface (223) of the rear gripping portion (220). The center of the annular groove (242) is located on the central axis (CA), and the annular groove (242) can be concentric with the rear bore (211).

[0075] The rear body (200) is positioned within an annular groove (242) and includes a rear rib (243) (see Figures 7 and 9) that is coupled to the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220). The rear rib (243) is positioned on the opposite side of the fixed hood portion (225) and the rear anchoring portion (230) with respect to the central axis (CA), and is located in the vertical direction (VD). The rear rib (243) can resist forces applied to the rear gripping portion (220) inward of the rear body.

[0076] The rear body (200) includes a partition wall (250) (see Figures 9 and 10) that separates the rear recess (241) and the annular groove (242). The partition wall (250) is formed between the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220). The front surface of the partition wall (250) forms the closed end face of the rear recess (241). The rear surface of the partition wall (250) forms part of the bottom surface of the annular groove (242). The partition wall (250) connects the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220) and contributes to the strength of the rear body.

[0077] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the rear body (200) includes a trigger portion (260) positioned on the opposite side of the fixed hood portion (225) and the rear attachment portion (230) with respect to the central axis (CA). The trigger portion (260) protrudes outward radially (RD) from the central axis (CA) within the rear grip portion (220) and is formed as a projection having a shape similar to a trigger. When the reel seat secures the aforementioned baitcasting reel, the trigger portion (260) can act as the part to which the angler's fingers apply force. When the angler grips the rear body (200), the trigger portion (260) can be inserted between the ring finger and the little finger, allowing the angler to stably grip the rear body (200) through the trigger portion (260).

[0078] The lower end (224) of the rear gripping portion (220) includes two parts located at different distances from the central axis (CA) with respect to the trigger portion (260). The lower end of the rear gripping portion (220) includes a first lower end (2241) located in front of the trigger portion (260) and a second lower end (2242) located behind the trigger portion (260) (see Figure 4), with the second lower end (2242) being further from the central axis (CA) than the first lower end (2241).

[0079] According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the trigger portion (260) includes a through hole (261). The through hole (261) penetrates the trigger portion (260) along the central axis (CA). Therefore, the trigger portion (260) including the through hole (261) contributes to the lightness of the rear body. The trigger portion (260) includes a rim portion (262) that forms the through hole (261). The rim portion (262) protrudes from the rear gripping portion (220). The rim portion (262) has an inner edge (2621) that defines the through hole (261).

[0080] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the rear gripping portion (220) includes a concave curved surface portion (226) positioned above the through hole (261). The concave curved surface portion (226) is concavely curved toward the central axis (CA). The concave curved surface portion (226) is inclined toward the central axis (CA) and forms the upper end of the through hole (261). When the rear body is viewed in a side view or a longitudinal section view, the concave curved surface portion (226) is positioned between the first lower end (2241) and the second lower end (2242) of the rear gripping portion and can form part of the lower end of the rear gripping portion. The concave curved surface portion (226) contributes to the lightness of the rear body.

[0081] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in Figure 9, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in Figure 9. The following explanation will refer to Figures 9 through 12.

[0082] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the rim (262) includes a forward convex surface (2622) positioned toward the front body of the reel seat, and a rear concave surface (2623) formed corresponding to the forward convex surface (2622) and positioned on the opposite side of the forward convex surface (2622). The forward convex surface (2622) is curved convexly forward, providing a smooth feel to the angler's fingers that come into contact with the trigger portion (260). An inner edge (2621) forming a through hole (261) is formed on the forward convex surface (2622). The rear concave surface (2623) is curved concavely backward, contributing to the lightness of the trigger portion (260) and the rear body (200). The forward convex surface (2622) and the rear concave surface (2623) are formed along the extension direction of the rim (262) over the entire rim (262). The rim portion (262), which includes a forward convex surface (2622) and a rear concave surface (2623), is formed to have a V-shaped or L-shaped cross-section. Therefore, the trigger portion (260), which includes the rim portion (262) having a V-shaped or L-shaped cross-section, has appropriate strength and contributes to the weight reduction of the rear body.

[0083] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a lightweight rear body (200) having a rear recess and an annular groove can be injection molded without the use of a slide core. For such injection molding, the lightweight portion of the rear body is formed to taper along the central axis (CA).

[0084] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in Figure 10, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in Figure 10. In the following description, we will refer to Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14.

[0085] The rear recess (241) of the rear body (200) tapers toward the rear end of the rear body (or the rear end (222) of the rear gripping portion). That is, the rear recess (241) is formed such that its cross-sectional shape gradually decreases toward the rear end of the rear gripping portion. Since the rear recess (241) is formed along the central axis (CA) and tapers toward the rear end of the rear body, the rear body (200) having the rear recess (241) can be molded by a mold device with a simplified structure without using a slide core.

[0086] The rear recess (241) tapers toward the rear end of the rear gripping portion at a predetermined taper angle (TA). For example, the taper angle (TA) of the rear recess is within the range of more than 0° to 3° or less with respect to the central axis (CA). As a result, the outer surface (214) of the rear cylindrical portion, the inner surface (223) of the rear gripping portion, and the vertical surface (231) of the rear mounting portion, which define the rear recess, are inclined with respect to the central axis (CA). That is, the outer surface (214) of the rear cylindrical portion (210) is inclined with respect to the central axis (CA) at a taper angle (TA), the inner surface (223) of the rear gripping portion (220) is inclined with respect to the central axis (CA) at a taper angle (TA), and the vertical surface (231) of the rear mounting portion (230) (i.e., the lower surface of the rear mounting portion) is inclined with respect to the central axis (CA) at a taper angle (TA). The taper angle (TA) of the outer surface (214) of the rear cylindrical portion (210), the taper angle (TA) of the inner surface (223) of the rear gripping portion (220), and the taper angle (TA) of the vertical surface (231) of the rear anchoring portion (230) may be the same or different.

[0087] The annular groove (242) tapers toward the front end of the rear body. As an example, the annular groove (242) may be limited, and the inner surface (223) of the rear gripping portion, located behind the bulkhead portion (250), may taper toward the front end of the rear body.

[0088] Figure 15 is a side view of the front body and movable hood shown in Figure 3. Figure 16 is a bottom view of the front body and movable hood shown in Figure 3. Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the movable hood shown in Figure 3. The following explanation will refer to Figures 3 and 15-17.

[0089] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the front body (300) is coupled to the rod tube of the fishing rod and supports the front leg of the reel, and the movable hood (400) presses and fixes the front leg of the reel to the front body (300). The front body (300) includes a front cylindrical portion (310), a front mounting portion (320), and a front gripping portion (330).

[0090] The front cylindrical section (310) forms the base of the front body (300). The front cylindrical section (310) is configured to be connected to the rod tube of the fishing rod. The front cylindrical section (310) is also configured to be connected to the movable hood (400) and support the movable hood (400). The front cylindrical section (310) is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a front bore (311) (see Figure 3) into which the rod tube of the fishing rod is inserted. The front bore (311) penetrates the front cylindrical section along the central axis (CA), and the inner surface of the front cylindrical section forms the front bore (311).

[0091] The front mounting portion (320) supports the front leg of the reel, and the front leg of the reel is configured to rest on the front mounting portion. The front mounting portion (320) is positioned on the front cylindrical portion (310) so as to face the fixed hood portion and the rear mounting portion along the central axis (CA). The front mounting portion (320) is positioned near the rear end of the front cylindrical portion (310) and at one end of the front cylindrical portion (310) in the vertical direction (VD). In a reel seat according to one embodiment for fixing a baitcasting reel, the front mounting portion (320) is formed as a pair of projections protruding horizontally (HD) from the upper end of the front cylindrical portion (310). The front mounting portion (320) is formed integrally with the front cylindrical portion (310). When the reel is coupled to the reel seat, the front leg rests on the upper surface of the front mounting portion (320). A front body (300) fixed to the rod tube of the fishing rod supports the front legs, and a movable hood (400) presses and secures the front legs to the front mounting part (320).

[0092] The front gripping portion (330) is positioned on the opposite side of the front anchoring portion (320) with respect to the central axis (CA), and is located near the rear end of the front cylindrical portion (310). For example, the front gripping portion (330) is configured to be gripped by the index finger of a fisherman. The front gripping portion (330) is formed on the front cylindrical portion (310) in the circumferential direction (CD) and forms part of the outer surface (314) of the front cylindrical portion (310). With respect to the central axis (CA), the front gripping portion (330) forms the lower portion of the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion (310). The front gripping portion (330) is configured to protrude from the front cylindrical portion (310) in the outer radial direction (RD) of the central axis.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the front cylindrical portion (310) includes a rear chamfered portion (315) formed along the rear end (313) of the front cylindrical portion. The rear chamfered portion (315) is inclined toward the central axis (CA) and adjacent to the rear end (313). The rear chamfered portion (315) inclined toward the central axis (CA) can improve tactile sensation for the index finger and can contribute to the lightness of the front body (300). The front mounting portion (320) and the front gripping portion (330) are connected to the rear chamfered portion (315). As an example, the front mounting portion (320) and the rear chamfered portion (315) are connected at an angle via a boundary line (3151), and the front gripping portion (330) and the rear chamfered portion (315) are connected at an angle via a boundary line (3152). When the front body is viewed in a side view (Figure 15), the front end point of the boundary line (3152) can be located on the central axis (CA), the rear end point of the boundary line (3152) can be located on the rear end (313) of the front cylindrical portion, and the boundary line (3152) can be inclined with respect to the central axis (CA). When the front body is viewed in a bottom view (Figure 16), the boundary line (3152) can be formed by an arc. The front gripping portion (330) extends forward from the rear chamfered portion (315).

[0094] The movable hood (400) is movably connected to the front cylindrical portion (310) by a screw action. The front cylindrical portion (310) includes a male thread (316) for the screw action. The male thread (316) is formed on the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion (310) between the front gripping portion (330) and the front end (312) of the front cylindrical portion and is connected to the movable hood (400) by a screw action.

[0095] The front cylindrical portion (310) includes guide grooves (317) that guide the movement of the movable hood (400) along its central axis (CA). According to one embodiment, the front cylindrical portion (310) includes a pair of guide grooves (317). The pair of guide grooves (317) are positioned opposite each other with respect to the central axis (CA), and the horizontal direction (HD) can pass through the pair of guide grooves (317). Each guide groove (317) extends along the central axis (CA) from the front end (312) of the front cylindrical portion, through a male screw (316), to the front gripping portion (330). The guide grooves (317) can extend along the vertical side edge of the front gripping portion (330) and be connected to the rear chamfered portion (315).

[0096] The front cylindrical section (310) includes a lateral recess (340) for the lightness of the front body. The lateral recess (340) is located between the male thread (316) and the front gripping section (330) and is recessed inward of the front cylindrical section (310). The lateral recess (340) may also be tapered inward of the front cylindrical section (310). The front cylindrical section (310) having the lateral recess (340) is lightweight. According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the lateral recess (340) includes a pair of first lateral recesses (341) (see Figures 3 and 15) adjacent to the front mounting portion (320) in the vertical direction (VD), a pair of second lateral recesses (342) (see Figures 3 and 15) positioned between each first lateral recess (341) and the male screw (316), and a pair of third lateral recesses (343) (see Figures 3 and 15) positioned between the front gripping portion (330) and the male screw (316). The pair of first lateral recesses (341) face each other with respect to the central axis (CA), the pair of second lateral recesses (342) face each other with respect to the central axis (CA), and the pair of third lateral recesses (343) face each other with respect to the central axis (CA).

[0097] The front cylindrical portion (310) includes a hood support portion (318) (see Figure 3) that supports a part of the movable hood (400) when the movable hood (400) fixes its front leg to the front mounting portion (320). The hood support portion (318) is positioned between the front mounting portion (320) and the male screw (316) and is located on the same side as the front mounting portion (320). The hood support portion (318) protrudes from the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion (310) in the outer radial direction (RD) of the central axis. The hood support portion (318) supports the hood portion of the movable hood (400) and prevents deformation of the hood portion.

[0098] The movable hood (400) moves toward the fixed hood section (225) and presses the front leg of the reel against the front mounting section (320) to secure it. The movable hood (400) can move along the front cylindrical section (310) by screw action. The movable hood (400) includes a fastening nut (410) that provides screw action and a movable body (420) that is movable along the central axis (CA) by the fastening nut (410). The fastening nut (410) and the movable body (420) are formed in a ring shape, and the front cylindrical section (310) passes through the fastening nut (410) and the movable body (420).

[0099] The fastening nut (410) has a female thread (411) on its inner circumference and is rotatably coupled to the male thread (316) of the front cylindrical portion (310) in the circumferential direction (CD) of the central axis (CA). The male thread (316) and the female thread (411) mesh with each other, and the fastening nut (410) is movably coupled to the front cylindrical portion (310) by screw action. As the fastening nut (410) is rotated by the angler in the circumferential direction (CD), the fastening nut (410) can move forward or backward with the rotation due to the screw action between the female thread (411) and the male thread (316). The fastening nut (410) may have an elastic cylindrical nut cover (415) (see Figure 3) fitted onto the outer surface of the fastening nut. The angler can rotate the fastening nut (410) by rotating the nut cover (415).

[0100] The movable body (420) is connected to the fastening nut (410) so as to be rotatable relative to it in the circumferential direction (CD). The movable body (420) is guided by a guide groove (317) in the front cylindrical section so as to move only along the central axis (CA). According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the movable body (420) includes an annular section (421), a movable hood section (422), a housing section (423), and a guide projection (424).

[0101] The fastening nut (410) is connected to the annular portion (421) of the movable body, and the fastening nut (410) and the annular portion (421) are coupled so as to be rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction (CD). The inner surface of the annular portion (421) surrounds the front cylindrical portion (310) in the circumferential direction (CD). The fastening nut (410) has a flange (412), a locking groove (413) adjacent to the flange (412), and a locking projection (414) adjacent to the locking groove (413) at its rear end. The annular portion (421) of the movable body has a locking projection (4211) and a locking groove (4212) adjacent to the locking projection (4211) at its front end. The locking projection (4211) engages with the locking groove (413) of the fastening nut, and the locking projection (414) of the fastening nut engages with the locking groove (4212). Since the fastening nut (410) is rotatable in the circumferential direction (CD) while the locking projection (414) of the fastening nut is engaged with the locking groove (4212) of the annular portion, the fastening nut (410) and the annular portion (421) are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0102] The movable hood portion (422) extends rearward (BD) from the annular portion (421) toward the fixed hood portion (225). The movable hood portion (422) is formed in a shape that covers the front leg of the reel. As the annular portion (421) moves toward the front mounting portion (320) and the fixed hood portion (225) by the fastening nut (410), the movable hood portion (422) presses the front leg against the front mounting portion (320) and fixes it in place.

[0103] A pair of guide projections (424) guide the movement of the movable body (420). The pair of guide projections (424) are formed on the inner circumferential surface (4213) of the annular portion (421) so as to face each other with respect to the central axis (CA), and protrude toward the central axis (CD). In addition, each guide projection (424) is formed on each of the pair of side edge ends of the movable hood portion (422). Each guide projection (424) is slidably inserted into each guide groove (317), and the guide groove (317) restrains the guide projection (424) in the circumferential direction (CD). As a result, the guide projection (424) can move only along the central axis (CA) by the guide groove (317), and the annular portion (421) and the movable hood portion (422) can move only along the central axis (CA) by the guide projections (424).

[0104] The front gripping portion (330), which can be grasped by the angler's index finger, is located on the opposite side of the front mounting portion (320) and the hood support portion (318) with respect to the central axis (CA). The front gripping portion (330) is curved along the circumferential direction (CD) of the central axis and is formed as a curved surface that is concave with respect to the central axis (CA). Each guide groove (317) passes along the central axis (CA) along the side edge (331) of the front gripping portion (330).

[0105] When the movable hood (400) secures the front leg, the movable hood portion (422) moves along the side edge (331) of the front grip portion (330) to the opposite side of the front grip portion (330) in the vertical direction (VD), and at the same time, the front grip portion (330) is housed in the movable hood (400). More specifically, when the movable hood (400) secures the front leg (142), the front grip portion (330) is housed in the housing portion (423) of the movable body (420).

[0106] Furthermore, when the movable hood fixes the front leg, the hood support portion (318) of the front cylindrical section contacts the inner circumferential surface (4213) of the annular section (421) to support the annular section (421). The hood support portion (318) prevents the annular section (421) from tilting with respect to the central axis (CA) in the opposite direction to the pressing direction of the movable hood section (422) due to the reaction force generated by the front leg. As a result, when the movable hood presses the front leg against the front mounting section to fix it, the guide projection (424) can be maintained substantially parallel to the central axis (CA), the annular section (421) can be maintained substantially perpendicular to the central axis (CA), and the movable hood section (422) can stably fix the front leg.

[0107] The movable hood portion (422) forms part of the upper and rear portions of the movable body (420). The housing portion (423) is located opposite the movable hood portion (422) in the vertical direction (VD) and forms part of the lower and rear portions of the movable body (420). For example, the movable hood portion (422) may have a shape corresponding to a frustoconical shape divided in half along its axial direction. The housing portion (423) is formed as a space adjacent to the movable hood portion (422) in the vertical direction (VD), more specifically as the space between the movable hood portion (422) and the annular portion (421). Assuming the movable body (420) has a frustoconical shape, the housing portion (423) may be formed to have a shape corresponding to a shape obtained by cutting out such a frustoconical shape so that the movable hood portion (422) remains.

[0108] The front gripping portion (330) and the housing portion (423) face each other along the central axis (CA). The front gripping portion (330) and the housing portion (423) have complementary shapes. The front gripping portion (330) has a side edge (331) corresponding to the side edge (4221) of the movable hood portion and a front edge (332) corresponding to the front edge (4231) of the housing portion (423). Since the front gripping portion (330) and the housing portion (423) have complementary shapes, the front gripping portion (330) can be inserted into the housing portion (423), and the housing portion (423) can accommodate the front gripping portion (330).

[0109] The movable hood also includes a reinforcing cover (425) that reinforces the movable hood portion (422). The reinforcing cover (425) engages with a pair of side edge portions of the movable hood portion (422) and is formed to cover the movable hood portion (422) in the circumferential direction (CD). When the movable hood presses the front leg against the front mounting portion to secure it, the reinforcing cover (425) can prevent the movable hood portion and the guide projection from deforming laterally on the front cylindrical portion, and can ensure that the guide projection (424) is securely held within the guide groove (252).

[0110] Figure 18 is a side view showing an example of a reel seat securing a reel according to one embodiment. The following description will refer to Figures 2, 3, and 18.

[0111] As the movable hood portion (420) moves toward the fixed hood portion (225) by the fastening nut (410), the movable hood portion (422) moves backward along the side edge (331) of the front gripping portion (330) to position itself above the front gripping portion (330), and the front gripping portion (330) is inserted into and housed in the housing portion (423). As a result, when the movable hood portion (422) presses the front leg against the front anchoring portion (320) to fix it, the movable hood portion (422) is positioned above the front gripping portion (330), and the movable hood portion (422) and the front gripping portion (330) are positioned vertically (VD). At the same time that the movable hood portion (422) is positioned above the front gripping portion (330), the front gripping portion (330) is inserted into the housing portion (423).

[0112] When the movable hood fixes the front leg to the front body, the movable hood portion (422) is positioned above the front grip portion (330), and the front grip portion (330) is housed in the housing portion (423). Therefore, the front body (300) can include a long front grip portion (330) while resolving the problem of the index finger (F2) hitting the boundary between the front grip portion (330) and the movable hood (400). In addition, the angler's index finger (F2) can grip the front grip portion (330) without discomfort or tension, which improves the operability of the reel seat and allows the bite to be effectively transmitted to the index finger.

[0113] As mentioned above, the front body is not only lightweight, but also improves the operability of the index finger and enables effective transmission of fish bites to the index finger. The front gripping portion of the front body improves the operability of the angler's index finger and increases the efficiency of transmitting fish bites to the index finger. Refer to Figures 19 to 25 in relation to this.

[0114] Figures 19 and 20 are side and top views, respectively, of the front body shown in Figure 3. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 in Figure 20. Figures 22 and 23 are front and rear views, respectively, of the front body shown in Figure 3. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 in Figure 19, and Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 in Figure 19.

[0115] When the front body is viewed in a side view or cross-sectional view, the edges of the front gripping portion of the front body form lines. In this disclosure, the lines forming the edges of the front gripping portion as observed in a side view or cross-sectional view of the front body are referred to as contour lines.

[0116] When the front body (300) is viewed in a side view, the front gripping portion (330) has a lower end contour line (333). The lower end contour line (333) is formed to curve convexly toward the central axis (CA). The lower end contour line (333) is limited between the rear end point (P1), which is the boundary between the front gripping portion (330) and the rear end chamfered portion (315), and the front end point (P2), which corresponds to the lowest end of the front gripping portion (330) that is furthest from the central axis (CA). Furthermore, the convexly curved lower end contour line (333) has an uppermost point (P3) that is closest to the central axis (CA). Therefore, the lower end contour line (333) can be formed by an arc line passing through the rear end point (P1), the uppermost point (P3), and the front end point (P2).

[0117] The front body (300) has a relatively small thickness at the front gripping portion (330) where the index finger makes contact, thereby increasing the efficiency of transmitting fish bites to the index finger. The front cylindrical portion (310) has a thickness (T) (hereinafter referred to as the first thickness) limited to the space between the front bore (311) and the uppermost point (P3). The first thickness is the thickness of the front cylindrical portion at the uppermost point (P3) of the front gripping portion (330). The first thickness is the distance between the lowest point and the uppermost point (P3) of the front bore (311), located on a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis (CA) and passing through the uppermost point (P3). According to one embodiment of the reel seat, the first thickness is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm and is the minimum thickness of the front cylindrical portion defined along the lower end contour line (333). Therefore, the thickness of the front cylindrical portion between the rear end point (P1) and the uppermost point (P3) is greater than the first thickness, and the thickness of the front cylindrical portion between the uppermost point (P3) and the front end point (P2) is also greater than the first thickness. The change in the thickness of the front cylindrical portion between the rear end point (P1) and the front end point (P2) is because the lower end contour line (333) is formed by an arc.

[0118] The lower contour line (333) curves downward toward the front end point (P2), providing a clear tactile sensation and bite to the index finger. The front end point (P2) of the lower contour line is located a predetermined distance downward from the uppermost point (P3), so that the lower contour line (333) provides a clear tactile sensation and bite to the index finger. In connection with this, when the front body is viewed in a side view (see Figures 19 and 21), we assume a first virtual line (IL1) parallel to the central axis (CA) and passing through the uppermost point (P3), and a second virtual line (IL2) passing through the uppermost point (P3) and inclined with respect to the first virtual line (IL1). The front end point (P2) is located between the first virtual line (IL1) and the second virtual line (IL2). The second virtual line (IL2) is inclined from the first virtual line (IL1) in the direction of the front end point (P2) (downward). The second virtual line (IL2) is inclined at an angle of 5° to 15° from the first virtual line (IL1). Therefore, the angle (IA) between the first virtual line (IL1) and the second virtual line (IL2) can be an angle of 5° to 15° centered at the highest point (P3).

[0119] The front gripping portion (330) is configured to have a shape that gradually becomes flatter toward the rear chamfered portion (315). Referring to Figure 24, when a cross-section is taken at the front end of the front gripping portion (330) perpendicular to the central axis (CA), the front gripping portion (330) has an outer periphery contour line (334). The outer periphery contour line refers to the contour line corresponding to the outer periphery shape of the surface of the front gripping portion in the cross-sectional view of the front body. In Figure 24, the outer periphery contour line (334) is formed by a virtual circle (IC1) with its center on the central axis (CA), and becomes part of the circumference of the virtual circle (IC1). As the front gripping portion (330) gradually becomes flatter toward the rear chamfered portion (315), the outer periphery contour line of the front gripping portion changes to a circumference with a curvature that gradually becomes smaller than the curvature of the outer periphery contour line shown in Figure 24. Referring to Figure 25, when a cross-section is taken at the upper end of the boundary between the rear chamfered portion and the front gripping portion (330), the front gripping portion (330) has an outer circumferential contour line (335) formed by an ellipse. At the boundary between the rear chamfered portion and the front gripping portion (330), the outer circumferential contour line (335) of the front gripping portion (330) becomes part of the circumference of the ellipse. The outer circumferential contour line (335) is symmetrical with respect to the central axis (CA), providing the index finger with a rounded, flattened contour shape of the front gripping portion. Therefore, regardless of whether the angler is using their right or left hand, when the pad of the index finger is in light contact with the front gripping portion (330), the contact area between the pad of the index finger and the front gripping portion (330) can be increased, improving the transmission of fish bites to the pad of the index finger and providing improved operability to the index finger.

[0120] Figure 26 is a side view showing an example of an angler fishing using a fishing rod including a reel seat according to one embodiment, and Figure 27 is an enlarged view of Figure 26. The following description will refer to Figures 26 and 27.

[0121] The angler can wait for a bite with the fishing rod (100) held upright against the water surface (SW). The angler can grip the reel seat (110) with the pad of their index finger (F2) in contact with the front gripping part (330) of the front body, their middle finger (F3) in contact with the rod tube between the rear and front bodies, and their ring finger (F4) and little finger (F5) firmly gripping the trigger part (260) of the rear body. The ring finger (F4) and little finger (F5) are gripping the rear body (200) tightly, so they are insensitive to bites. The angler can relax their index finger (F2) and bring the pad of their index finger (F2) into contact with the front gripping part (330). The middle finger (F3) is in direct contact with the surface of the rod tube exposed between the rear and front bodies, and can sense a bite.

[0122] With the fishing rod (100) held upright relative to the water surface (SW), a fish bite can be transmitted through the fishing line (150) to the rod tube (120) and the reel seat (110). The fish bite may be a rotational vibration acting around a center of rotation (RC). The fish bite can act on the rod tube (120) and the reel seat (110) as a rotational vibration indicated by the arrow (RV) in Figure 26. The center of rotation (RC) can be located on the central axis (CA) above the trigger section (260).

[0123] The rotational vibrations cause the rotational vibration vector (V) to act on the pad of the index finger (F2) via the front gripping part (330). For example, assuming a virtual circle (IC2) with its center at the rotation center point (RC) and passing through the lower end contour line (333) of the front gripping part, the rotational vibration vector (V) can act in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle (IC2). The lower end contour line (333) of the front gripping part (330) is positioned perpendicular to the rotational vibration vector (V). Furthermore, the pad of the index finger (F2) is positioned on the front gripping part (330) to support the front body in a manner that suppresses the rotation of the front body. Therefore, the force of the rotational vibration vector (V) can be reliably transmitted to the pad of the index finger (F2) via the front gripping part (330), and the rotational vibrations can be effectively and completely transmitted to the index finger (F2) via the front gripping part (330). Furthermore, since the outer contour of the front gripping portion (330) is formed as an elliptical circumference, the front gripping portion (330) can transmit the bite to the index finger (F2) through an even larger contact area. In this way, the front gripping portion (330) of the front body can effectively transmit the bite (i.e., the rotational vibration vector (V)) consisting of rotational vibrations applied to the front body around the rotation center point (RC) to the index finger.

[0124] In one embodiment of the reel seat, the aforementioned rear recess, annular groove, and trigger portion contribute to the lightweight design of the rear body. Furthermore, the lightweight rear body exhibits sufficient strength to adequately resist the forces applied by the angler during fishing, preventing breakage. A strength measurement test was conducted on the rear body of such an embodiment of the reel seat. The strength measurement test was performed on a rear body that was injection molded from the aforementioned carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin and had the aforementioned trigger portion, rear recess, and annular groove. The strength measurement test measured the breaking strength of the fixed hood portion and the trigger portion of the rear body. According to the results of the strength measurement test, the fixed hood portion of the rear body broke under a maximum load of 1616 N, and the trigger portion of the rear body broke under a maximum load of 387 N. These results mean that the lightweight rear body adopted in the reel seat of one embodiment can adequately resist the external forces applied to the rear body during fishing.

[0125] Figure 28 is a side view showing a part of a fishing rod according to another embodiment, including a reel seat according to another embodiment. Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the reel seat shown in Figure 28. Refer to Figures 28 and 29.

[0126] The fishing rod (100) shown in Figure 28 includes a reel seat (110) for connecting a reel (140) to the rod tube of the fishing rod. The reel seat (110) shown in Figure 28 connects the reel (140) of a spinning reel to the rod tube. The spinning reel is a reel positioned below the central axis (CA) of the rod tube, and the rear leg (141) and front leg (142) of the reel (140) are fixed to the underside of the reel seat (110).

[0127] The reel seat of the previously described embodiment can be inverted with respect to the central axis (CA) to form the reel seat (110) of this embodiment for fixing a spinning reel. The structure and configuration of the reel seat according to the previously described embodiment can be inverted with respect to the central axis (CA) to become the structure and configuration of the reel seat (110) according to this embodiment. Therefore, the structure and configuration of the rear body, front body, and movable hood of the reel seat (110) according to this embodiment can be understood by referring to the structure and configuration of the rear body, front body, and movable hood of the reel seat according to the previously described embodiment.

[0128] The front body and movable hood of the reel seat according to the previously described embodiment can be reversed with respect to the central axis (CA) to form the front body (300) and movable hood (400) of the reel seat (110) according to this embodiment. The front cylindrical portion (310) of the front body has a front bore (311) that is coupled to the rod tube along the central axis (CA). The front attachment portion (320) to which the front leg (142) is attached is located below the front body (300) with respect to the central axis (CA). The front gripping portion (330) of the front body is located on the opposite side of the front attachment portion (320), that is, above the front body with respect to the central axis (CA). With the reel seat (110) fixed to the reel (140) of the spinning reel, the front gripping portion (330) of the front body (300) can be gripped by the angler's thumb (F1), and the angler's index finger (F2) can contact the front leg (142). The movable hood portion (422) of the movable hood (400) moves along the side edge of the front gripping portion (330) to be located on the opposite side of the front gripping portion (330) in the vertical direction (VD), i.e., below the front gripping portion (330).

[0129] The rear body of the reel seat according to the previously described embodiment can be inverted with respect to the central axis (CA) to form the rear body (200) of the reel seat (110) according to this embodiment. The rear cylindrical portion (210) of the rear body has a rear bore (211) that is coupled to the rod tube along the central axis (CA). The fixing hood portion (225) that covers the rear leg (141) and the rear attachment portion (230) to which the rear leg (141) is attached are located on the underside of the rear body. Since the rear attachment portion (230) is located on the underside of the rear body, the rear body (200) of the reel seat according to this embodiment does not include the trigger portion and the concave curved surface portion mentioned above, compared to the rear body of the previously described embodiment. With the reel seat (110) fixed to the reel (140) of the spinning reel, the rear gripping portion (220) of the rear body (200) can be gripped by the middle finger (F3) and ring finger (F4) of the angler.

[0130] Figures 30 and 31 are side and bottom views of the rear body shown in Figure 29, respectively. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 in Figure 31. Figure 33 is a downward perspective view of the rear body shown in Figure 29. Figures 34 and 35 are rear and front views of the rear body shown in Figure 29, respectively. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 in Figure 35, and Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 in Figure 35. In the following description, refer to Figures 30 to 37.

[0131] The rear gripping portion (220) includes a front chamfered portion (227) formed along the front end (221) of the rear gripping portion. The front chamfered portion (227) is inclined toward the central axis (CA) and is adjacent to the front end (221). The front chamfered portion (227) can improve tactile sensation for the middle and ring fingers and can contribute to the lightness of the rear body. The front chamfered portion (227) can also be used at the front end of the rear gripping portion according to the embodiments described above.

[0132] The rear recess (241) of the rear body is recessed rearward from the front end (221) of the rear gripping portion (220) and tapers toward the rear end of the rear body at the aforementioned taper angle. The annular groove (242) of the rear body is recessed forward from the rear end (222) of the rear gripping portion and is formed concentrically with respect to the central axis (CA) between the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the inner surface of the rear gripping portion (220). The partition wall portion (250) of the rear body is formed between the rear cylindrical portion (210) and the rear gripping portion (220), separating the rear recess (241) and the annular groove (242). The rear rib (243) of the rear body is positioned on the opposite side of the fixed hood portion (225) and the rear anchoring portion (230) with respect to the central axis (CA) and can resist the force applied to the rear gripping portion (220) toward the inside of the rear body.

[0133] The reel seat of the aforementioned embodiment includes a lightweight rear body and a lightweight front body, the rear body and front body having sufficient strength, and the front body having improved fish bite transmission performance.According to this disclosure, embodiments of a mold apparatus for a reel seat used to manufacture the rear body and the front body are provided.Embodiments of a mold apparatus for a reel seat (hereinafter simply referred to as a mold apparatus) used for injection molding the rear body and the front body of the reel seat described above are shown in Figures 38 to 43.Referring to Figures 38 to 43, the mold apparatus and injection molding for manufacturing the rear body and the front body of a reel seat will be described.

[0134] Figure 38 is a perspective view showing an example of a mold apparatus for a reel seat used for injection molding the rear body of a reel seat. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown in Figure 38. The following description will refer to Figures 3, 4, 6, 7, 38, and 39.

[0135] A mold apparatus (500) according to one embodiment, shown in Figure 38, can be appropriately used to injection mold the rear body of the reel seat shown in Figure 3. The mold apparatus (500) can be used to manufacture a rear body (200) by injection molding, which includes a rear cylindrical portion (210), a rear gripping portion (220) with a fixed hood portion (225), a rear mounting portion (230), a rear recess (241), an annular groove (242), a partition portion (250), and a trigger portion (260).

[0136] The mold apparatus (500) includes a fixed mold (510) and a movable mold (520). The movable mold (520) can be moved by a mold moving device along the central axis of the rear bore (211) of the rear cylindrical section (210) (i.e., the central axis (CA) of the shaft tube). The movable mold (520) can be coupled to the fixed mold (510) for injection molding of the rear body and can be separated from the fixed mold (510) after injection molding of the rear body.

[0137] A fixed mold (510) is prepared for injection molding of the rear body. The fixed mold (510) includes a molding cavity (511) formed to injection mold the rear body. The molding cavity (511) has a molding surface corresponding to the outer shape of the rear body. The molding surface of the molding cavity (511) is formed to correspond to the outer shape of the rear body shown in Figures 3 and 7. The fixed mold (510) includes a tapered pin (512) positioned within the molding cavity (511) to form a rear recess (241). The tapered pin (512) protrudes toward the movable mold (520) along the central axis (CA) and tapers toward the movable mold (520) at the aforementioned taper angle. The fixed mold (510) includes a hood forming pin (513) for forming a fixed hood portion (225) and a rear attachment portion (230). The hood forming pin (513) is positioned within the molding cavity (511) and protrudes toward the movable mold (520) along the central axis (CA).

[0138] A movable mold (520) is prepared for injection molding of the rear body. The movable mold (520) includes a bottom (521) that closes the molding cavity (511) when the movable mold is coupled to a fixed mold. The bottom (521) is curved to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the rear end of the rear body. The movable mold (520) includes a core pin (522) that protrudes from the bottom (521) along the central axis (CA). When the movable mold is coupled to the fixed mold, the core pin (522) is inserted into the molding cavity (511) and forms the rear bore (211) of the rear cylindrical section. The movable mold (520) includes a flange portion (523) that surrounds the core pin (522) and protrudes from the bottom (521) along the central axis (CA). The flange portion (523) forms the annular groove (242) of the rear body. A partition wall (250) is formed between the upper surface of the flange portion (523) and the molded surface of the molded cavity (511). The flange portion (523) has a slit (524) formed along the central axis (CA), and the slit (524) forms the rear rib (243) of the rear body.

[0139] The movable mold (520) is separated from the flange portion (523) and includes a projection (525) formed on the bottom portion (521). The projection (525) is inserted into the molded cavity (511) and can be in close contact with the projection (514) formed in the molded cavity (511). The projection (525) has a shape corresponding to the through hole (261) of the trigger portion (260) and together with the projection (514) of the molded cavity, forms the through hole (261) of the trigger portion. The bottom portion (521) has a lower groove portion (526) formed around the projection (525). The lower groove portion (526), ​​together with the upper groove portion (515) formed around the projection (514) in the molded cavity (511), forms the rim portion (262) of the trigger portion (260).

[0140] After the fixed mold (510) and the movable mold (520) are prepared, the movable mold (520) moves toward the fixed mold (510) and is coupled to it. This closes the molding cavity (511) for injection molding the rear body with the bottom (521). With the fixed mold (510) and the movable mold (520) coupled, a liquid carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin is injected into the molding cavity (511) through the fixed mold (510), for example. The injected liquid resin hardens, and the rear body (200) is injection molded by the molding cavity (511) and the bottom (521).

[0141] To remove the injection-molded rear body from the mold device (500), the movable mold (520) is separated from the fixed mold (510). The movable mold (520) is separated from the fixed mold (510) along the central axis (CA). After the movable mold (520) is separated from the fixed mold (510), the injection-molded rear body (200) is removed from the molding cavity (511) along the central axis (CA). Since the tapered pin (512) is tapered at the aforementioned taper angle, the rear body (200) can be easily removed from the molding cavity (511).

[0142] The mold apparatus (500) includes a rear recess (241), an annular groove (242), and a trigger section (260), allowing for the injection molding of a lightweight rear body (200), and the injection-molded rear body (200) can be easily removed from the mold apparatus (500) along its central axis (CA). The mold apparatus (500) can injection mold the rear body using a fixed mold (510) and a movable mold (520). Therefore, the mold apparatus (500) can eliminate the use of complex mold components such as a slide core for forming the rear bore, reducing the number of injection molding steps and enabling a low-cost, simplified mold structure. As a result, a lightweight rear body can be manufactured at low cost using the simplified mold apparatus (500).

[0143] When the mold device (500) injection molds the rear body according to the embodiment shown in Figures 28 and 29, the molded cavity (511) is configured so as not to include the protruding portion (514) and the upper groove portion (515), and the bottom portion (521) is configured so as not to include the protruding portion (525) and the lower groove portion (526). With such a mold device (500), a rear body without a trigger portion can be manufactured.

[0144] Figure 40 is a perspective view showing an example of a mold apparatus for a reel seat used for injection molding the front body of a reel seat. Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown in Figure 40. Figure 42 is a perspective view showing the fixed mold and movable mold of the mold apparatus shown in Figure 41 in a coupled state. Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the mold apparatus shown in Figure 42. The following description will refer to Figures 3, 19 to 23, and 40 to 43.

[0145] A mold apparatus (600) according to one embodiment, shown in Figure 40, can be appropriately used to injection mold the front body of the reel seat shown in Figure 3. The mold apparatus (600) can be used to manufacture the front body (300), including a front cylindrical portion (310), a front mounting portion (320), and a front gripping portion (330), by injection molding. Alternatively, the mold apparatus (600) can be used to manufacture the front body (300) having a front cylindrical portion (310) including a rear chamfered portion (315), a male screw (316), a guide groove (317), and a lateral recess (340), by injection molding.

[0146] The mold apparatus (600) includes a fixed mold (610), a movable mold (620), and a slide core block (630). The movable mold (620) can be moved by a mold moving device in a horizontal direction (HD) perpendicular to the central axis (CA) (horizontally through a pair of guide grooves of the front body). The movable mold (620) can be coupled horizontally (HD) to the fixed mold (610) for injection molding of the front body and can be separated horizontally (HD) from the fixed mold (610) after injection molding of the front body. The slide core block (630) is movable with the movable mold (620) in an inclined direction (ID) between the central axis (CA) and the horizontal direction (HD). The fixed mold (610) injection molds half of the front body (300), and the movable mold (620) injection molds the remaining half of the front body (300). The aforementioned half of the front body refers to one of two halves obtained by dividing the front body (300) in the vertical direction (VD) with respect to the central axis (CA). Therefore, the two halves can be mirror-symmetric with respect to a virtual plane containing the central axis (CA) and the vertical direction (VD). The two halves refer to the right half and the left half when the front body is viewed in a front view.

[0147] A fixed mold (610) is prepared for injection molding of the front body. The fixed mold (610) includes a first molding cavity (611) formed to injection mold the right half of the front body (for example, the right half indicated by reference numeral 301 in Figures 22 and 23) with respect to the central axis (CA). The first molding cavity (611) has a surface shape corresponding to the outer shape of the right half of the front body. For example, the first molding cavity (611) has a molded surface (612) formed to correspond to the side shape of the front body shown in Figure 19. The molded surface (612) of the first molded cavity (611) is formed to correspond to half of the front chamfer (227), half of the front gripping portion (330), half of the front fixing portion (320), half of the male thread (316), the first lateral recess (341), the second lateral recess (342), and the third lateral recess (343). The fixed mold (610) includes a first slit (613) extending horizontally (HD) from the first molded cavity (611).

[0148] A movable mold (620) is prepared for injection molding of the front body. The movable mold (620) includes a second molding cavity (621) formed to injection mold the left half of the front body (for example, the left half indicated by reference numeral 302 in Figures 22 and 23) with respect to the central axis (CA). The second molding cavity (621) has a surface shape corresponding to the outer shape of the left half of the front body. For example, the second molding cavity (621) has a molded surface (622) formed to correspond to the side shape of the front body shown in Figure 19. The molded surface (622) is mirror symmetric with respect to the central axis (CA) with respect to the molded surface (612) of the first molding cavity. The molded surface (622) of the second molding cavity (621) is formed to correspond to the remaining half of the front chamfer (227), the remaining half of the front grip (330), the remaining half of the front anchor (320), the remaining half of the male screw (316), the first lateral recess (341), the second lateral recess (342), and the third lateral recess (343). The movable mold (620) includes a second slit (623) extending horizontally (HD) from the second molding cavity (621).

[0149] A slide core block (630) is prepared for injection molding of the front body. The slide core block (630) includes a slide core (631) that forms a pair of guide grooves (317) with the front bore (311) of the front body, and a block portion (632) that supports the slide core (631). The slide core (631) is inserted into the first molding cavity (611) and the second molding cavity (621) by the movement of the slide core block (630). The slide core (631) includes a core pin (6311) and a pair of insert pins (6312) that are positioned parallel to the molding surfaces (621, 622) and spaced horizontally (HD) from the core pin (6311).

[0150] A core pin (6311) inserted into the molded cavity formed by the first molded cavity (611) and the second molded cavity (621) forms the front bore (311). The front cylindrical portion (310) is formed between the outer surface of the core pin (6311) and the molded surfaces of the first and second molded cavities (611, 621). A pair of insert pins (6312) are inserted into the first and second slits (613, 623) of the fixed mold (610) and the movable mold (620), respectively. A guide groove (317) for the front cylindrical portion is formed between the outer surface of the core pin (6311) and the inner surface of each insert pin (6312).

[0151] The slide core block (630) includes an angular pin hole (6321) formed in the block portion (632) into which an angular pin is inserted. The angular pin hole (6321) penetrates the block portion (632) in the inclination direction (ID) in which the slide core block moves. For example, the angular pin may protrude in the inclination direction (ID) from a fixed mold plate coupled to a fixed mold (610) and be slidably inserted into the angular pin hole (6321). As the movable mold (620) and the slide core block (630) move horizontally (HD) toward the fixed mold (610), the interaction between the angular pin holes (6321) and the angular pins causes the slide core block (630) and the slide core (631) to be inserted into or moved out of the first and second molding cavities (611, 621) along the central axis (CA).

[0152] After the fixed mold (610), movable mold (620), and slide core block (630) are prepared, the movable mold (620) moves toward the fixed mold (610) and is coupled to it. The slide core block (630) also moves together with the movable mold (620), and the core pins (6311) are inserted into the first and second molding cavities (611, 621), and the pair of insert pins (6312) are inserted into the first and second slits (613, 623), respectively. This closes the first and second molding cavities (611, 621) for injection molding the front body. With the fixed mold (610) and movable mold (620) coupled, the liquid carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin is injected into the first and second molding cavities (611, 621). The injected liquid substance hardens, and the front body is injection molded through the first and second molding cavities (611, 621), the core pin (6311), and the pair of insert pins (6312).

[0153] To remove the injection-molded front body from the mold device (600), the movable mold (620) is separated from the fixed mold (610) in the horizontal direction (HD). The slide core block (630) also moves in the inclined direction (ID) from the fixed mold (610) together with the movable mold (620), and the core pins (6311) and insert pins (6312) are separated from the injection-molded movable body. After the movable mold (620) is separated from the fixed mold (610) and the slide core block (630) has moved from the fixed mold (610), the injection-molded front body (300) is removed from the movable mold (620) in the horizontal direction (HD).

[0154] The front body (300), which is lightweight and has improved fish bite transmission performance, can be injection molded by a mold device (600) and includes a front cylindrical section (310) having a rear end chamfer (315) and a lateral recess (340), a front mounting section (320), and a front gripping section (330). The injection molded front body (300) can be easily removed horizontally (HD) from the mold device (600).

[0155] Although the technical concept of this disclosure has been explained above by some embodiments and examples shown in the attached drawings, it should be noted that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are possible, provided that they do not deviate from the technical concept and scope of this disclosure as understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and alterations should be considered to fall within the scope of the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 100 Fishing rod, 110 Reel seat, 120 Rod tube, 140 Reel, 141 Rear leg, 142 Front leg, 200 Rear body, 210 Rear cylindrical section, 211 Rear bore, 214 Outer surface, 220 Rear gripping section, 221 Front end, 222 Rear end, 223 Inner surface, 225 Fixed hood section, 226 Concave curved surface section, 227 Front end chamfered section, 230 Rear attachment section, 241 Rear recess, 242 Annular groove, 250 Partition section, 260 Trigger section, 261 Through hole, 262 Rim section, 2621 Inner edge, 2622 Front convex surface, 2623 Rear concave surface, 300 Front body, 301 Right half section, 302 Left half section, 310 Front cylindrical section, 311 312 Front bore, 313 Front end, 315 Rear end chamfer, 316 Male screw, 317 Guide groove, 320 Front mounting section, 330 Front gripping section, 331 Side edge, 333 Lower contour line, 335 Outer circumference contour line, 340 Lateral recess, 400 Movable hood, 422 Movable hood section, 423 Housing section, 500 Mold device, 510 Fixed mold, 511 Molding cavity, 512 Tapered pin, 520 Movable mold, 521 Bottom section, 522 Core pin, 525 Protrusion, 600 Mold device, 610 Fixed mold, 611 First molding cavity, 620 Movable mold, 621 Second molding cavity, 630 Slide core block, 631 Slide core, CA Central axis, HD Horizontal direction, ID Inclined direction, IL1 First virtual line, IL2; second virtual line, P2 front end point, P3 top end point, RD outer radial direction, T thickness, TA taper angle, VD vertical direction.

Claims

1. A reel seat for connecting a reel having rear legs and front legs to a rod tube, A rear body configured to fix the aforementioned rear legs, A front body is separated from the rear body and is located forward of the rear body along the central axis of the rod tube, It includes a movable hood that is movably coupled to the front body and configured to press and secure the front legs against the front body, The aforementioned rear body is A rear cylindrical portion configured to be connected to the aforementioned rod tube, It has a fixed hood portion configured to cover the rear leg, and a rear gripping portion connected to the rear cylindrical portion so as to surround the rear cylindrical portion, It includes a rear attachment portion which is positioned between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear gripping portion opposite to the fixed hood portion, and is connected to the rear cylindrical portion and the rear gripping portion, and is configured to secure the rear leg, The aforementioned front body is The rod tube and the front cylindrical portion configured to be connected to the movable hood, The front mounting portion is positioned on the front cylindrical portion so as to be opposite the rear mounting portion along the central axis, and is configured to support the front leg, It includes a front gripping portion, which is positioned on the opposite side of the front attachment portion, forms a part of the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion, and is housed in the movable hood, Reel seat.

2. The rear body includes a rear recess formed as a space limited by the rear cylindrical portion, the rear gripping portion, and the rear anchoring portion. The rear recess is recessed rearward from the front end of the rear gripping portion. The reel seat according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned rear recess tapers toward the rear end of the rear body with a taper angle within the range of more than 0° to 3° or less with respect to the central axis. The reel seat according to claim 2.

4. The rear body includes an annular groove formed between the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion and the inner surface of the rear gripping portion, recessed forward from the rear end of the rear gripping portion, and a partition wall formed between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear gripping portion, separating the rear recess and the annular groove. The reel seat according to claim 2.

5. The rear body further includes a trigger portion (which is positioned on the opposite side of the rear mounting portion with respect to the central axis) The trigger portion includes a through hole that penetrates along the central axis, The reel seat according to claim 1.

6. The trigger portion includes a rim portion that has an inner edge that limits the through hole and protrudes from the rear grip portion, The rim portion includes a forward convex surface that curves forward and a rear concave surface located on the opposite side of the forward convex surface that curves backward. The reel seat according to claim 5.

7. The rear gripping portion is positioned above the through hole and includes a concave curved surface portion that curves concave toward the central axis. The reel seat according to claim 5.

8. The rear gripping portion includes a front end chamfer formed along the front end of the rear gripping portion and inclined toward the central axis, The reel seat according to claim 1.

9. The front cylindrical portion includes a rear end chamfer formed along the rear end of the front cylindrical portion and inclined toward the central axis, The front attachment portion and the front gripping portion are connected to the rear end chamfered portion. The reel seat according to claim 1.

10. The front gripping portion extends forward from the rear end chamfered portion and is configured to protrude radially outward from the central axis relative to the front cylindrical portion. The movable hood includes a movable hood portion that moves along the side edge of the front gripping portion and is located on the opposite side of the front gripping portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis, and is configured to press and fix the front leg to the front attachment portion, and a housing portion formed as a space adjacent to the movable hood portion in the vertical direction, which houses the front gripping portion. The reel seat according to claim 9.

11. The front cylindrical portion includes a male screw formed on the outer circumference of the front cylindrical portion between the front gripping portion and the front end of the front cylindrical portion, which is coupled to the movable hood; a guide groove extending from the front end of the front cylindrical portion through the male screw to the front gripping portion and guiding the movement of the movable hood; and a lateral recess positioned between the male screw and the front gripping portion and recessed inward on the front cylindrical portion. The reel seat according to claim 10.

12. When the front body is viewed in a side view, the front gripping portion has a lower end contour line that curves convexly toward the central axis. The front cylindrical portion has a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm at the uppermost point of the lower end contour line closest to the central axis. The reel seat according to claim 10.

13. When the front body is viewed in the side view, the front end point of the lower contour line is located between a first imaginary line parallel to the central axis and passing through the uppermost point, and a second imaginary line passing through the uppermost point and inclined at an angle of 5° to 15° from the first imaginary line in the direction of the front end point. The reel seat according to claim 12.

14. When the front body is viewed in a cross-sectional view, at the boundary between the rear end chamfer and the front gripping portion, the front gripping portion has an outer contour line that is part of the circumference of an ellipse. The reel seat according to claim 10.

15. The rear body and the front body are made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin and are each independently injection molded. The reel seat according to claim 1.

16. Rod and, The reel seat, which is connected to the rod tube, is as described in any one of claims 1 to 15. fishing rod.

17. A mold apparatus for a reel seat used for injection molding a rear body for a reel seat, comprising: a rear cylindrical portion having a rear bore coupled to the rod tube of a fishing rod along the central axis of the rod tube; a fixed hood portion covering the rear leg of a reel; a rear grip portion coupled to the rear cylindrical portion so as to surround the rear cylindrical portion; a rear mounting portion positioned between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion opposite the fixed hood portion, coupled to the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion, to which the rear leg is secured; a rear recess formed as a space limited by the rear cylindrical portion, the rear grip portion, and the rear mounting portion, recessed rearward from the front end of the rear grip portion and tapered toward the rear end of the rear grip portion; an annular groove recessed forward from the rear end of the rear grip portion and formed between the outer surface of the rear cylindrical portion and the inner surface of the rear grip portion; and a partition portion formed between the rear cylindrical portion and the rear grip portion, separating the rear recess and the annular groove, wherein Fixed mold and Includes a movable mold that can be coupled to the fixed mold along the central axis, The aforementioned fixed mold is A molded cavity formed for injection molding the rear body for the reel seat, Includes a tapered pin that protrudes along the central axis toward the movable mold within the molding cavity, forming the rear recess and tapering toward the movable mold, The aforementioned movable mold is The bottom portion that closes the molded cavity, A core pin (including and that protrudes from the bottom and is inserted into the molded cavity, forming the rear bore) After the rear body for the reel seat is injection molded, the movable mold is separated from the fixed mold along the central axis, and the rear body for the reel seat is removed from the molded cavity along the central axis. A mold device for reel seats.

18. The rear body for the reel seat further includes a rim portion protruding from the rear gripping portion and a trigger portion having a through hole that is limited by the inner edge of the rim portion and penetrates along the central axis, The movable mold further includes a projection formed at the bottom, which is inserted into the molding cavity and forms the through hole. The mold apparatus for a reel seat according to claim 17.

19. A mold apparatus for a reel seat used for injection molding a front body for a reel seat, comprising: a front cylindrical portion having a front bore connected to the rod tube of a fishing rod along the central axis of the rod tube; a front mounting portion positioned at one end of the front cylindrical portion in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and to which the front leg of a reel is attached; and a front gripping portion positioned on the opposite side of the front mounting portion, formed as part of the outer surface of the front cylindrical portion and projecting radially outward from the central axis relative to the front cylindrical portion, wherein The front cylindrical portion of the front body for the reel seat includes a rear end chamfer formed along the rear end of the front cylindrical portion, inclined toward the central axis, and connected to the front mounting portion and the front gripping portion; a male screw formed on the outer circumference of the front cylindrical portion between the front gripping portion and the front end of the front cylindrical portion; a pair of guide grooves facing each other with respect to the central axis, each extending from the front end of the front cylindrical portion through the male screw to the front gripping portion; and a pair of lateral recesses formed between the male screw and the front gripping portion, recessed inward of the front cylindrical portion, and facing each other with respect to the central axis. The mold apparatus for the reel seat is, A fixed mold including a first molding cavity formed to injection mold the right half of the front body for the reel seat with respect to the central axis, A movable mold includes a second molding cavity formed to injection mold the left half of the front body for the reel seat with respect to the central axis, and is coupled to the fixed mold in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the central axis and passing through the pair of guide grooves, Includes a slide core block that is inserted into the first molded cavity and the second molded cavity and forms the forward bore and the pair of guide grooves, and is movable together with the movable mold in an inclined direction between the central axis and the horizontal direction, After the front body for the reel seat is injection molded, the movable mold is separated from the fixed mold in the horizontal direction, the slide core block moves from the fixed mold in the inclined direction together with the movable mold, and the front body for the reel seat is removed from the movable mold in the horizontal direction. A mold device for reel seats.

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