Fishing line guides and fishing rods including fishing line guides

Abstract

The present invention provides a fishing line guide that does not restrict the direction in which it is attached to the rod tube of a fishing rod and can release tangles in the fishing line, as well as a fishing rod including the fishing line guide. [Solution] The pair of lower legs 130 of the fishing line guide 100 extend downward from the ring holding portion 120 of the fishing line guide 100 and have a curved cross-section. The pair of lateral legs 140 of the fishing line guide 100 are connected to the ring holding portion 120 above its center and have a rectangular cross-section. The front outer contour line 1332 of the lower legs 130 is tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface of the ring holding portion 120. When the fishing line guide 100 is viewed from a plan view, the intersection of a pair of virtual extension lines EL passing through the outward-facing long sides 1421 of the rectangular cross-sections of the pair of lateral legs 140 is located within the mounting legs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fishing line guide for guiding a fishing line and a fishing rod including the fishing line guide.

Background Art

[0002] In fishing using a reel, the fishing line is wound around the reel and released from the reel. A rig including a fishing hook is attached to the tip of the fishing line. A fishing line guide for guiding the fishing line is attached to the rod tube of the fishing rod. When the angler casts the rig, the fishing line released from the reel is guided by the fishing line guide along the rod tube to the tip of the fishing rod. When the angler operates the reel to lift the fish, the fishing line is guided by the fishing line guide along the rod tube to the reel.

[0003] The fishing line guide includes a guide ring through which the fishing line passes and a metal structure that supports the guide ring and is attached to the rod tube. The metal structure has a ring holding portion that holds the guide ring, a leg that extends from the ring holding portion, and a mounting foot that extends from the leg and contacts the rod tube.

[0004] When the angler casts the rig, the fishing line may not move in a straight line along the rod tube and may sag. A part of the sagging fishing line may get caught on the ring holding portion or the leg, and the fishing line may become entangled at the ring holding portion, the leg, or a portion between the ring holding portion and the leg. Therefore, it is required that the fishing line guide be designed to disentangle the entanglement of the fishing line and achieve smooth movement of the fishing line.

[0005] As an example of a conventional fishing line guide, a fishing line guide having two pairs of legs formed symmetrically front and back is known. Such a fishing line guide has a step portion where the fishing line can get caught and is not designed to disentangle the entanglement of the fishing line. Also, the legs of such a fishing line guide can frequently contact the fishing line released spirally from a spinning reel.

[0006] Another example of a conventional fishing line guide is one having one central support and a pair of inclined supports. Such a fishing line guide must be mounted on the rod tube in only one specific mounting direction, depending on the type of reel used with the fishing rod. A fishing line guide designed with a pair of inclined supports facing the reel cannot untangle the fishing line if it is mounted on the rod tube with the pair of inclined supports facing the tip of the fishing rod. A fishing line guide designed with a pair of inclined supports facing the tip of the fishing rod can avoid contact between the pair of inclined supports and the spiral fishing line released from the spinning reel, but it cannot untangle the fishing line in various forms.

[0007] The aforementioned conventional fishing line guide, having one central support and a pair of inclined support legs, has limitations in the direction of attachment to the rod tube. Therefore, such conventional fishing line guides cannot satisfy the preference of anglers who desire the use of a fishing line guide in both directions. Furthermore, because such conventional fishing line guides are applicable in only one attachment direction, they can only release tangles of a limited form and cannot release tangles of various forms. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4755670 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5940738 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The disclosed embodiments provide a fishing line guide that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. One embodiment of the disclosure provides a fishing line guide that has no restrictions on the direction of attachment to the rod tube of a fishing rod and can release tangles in the fishing line. One embodiment of the disclosure provides a fishing line guide that can accommodate spirally released fishing lines and can release tangles of various forms of fishing line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The disclosed embodiments relate to a fishing line guide attached to the rod tube of a fishing rod, and to a fishing rod including such a fishing line guide. One aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a fishing line guide having two mounting feet that contact the rod tube, and another aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a fishing line guide having one mounting foot that contacts the rod tube.

[0011] A fishing line guide according to one embodiment includes a guide ring, a ring holder, a pair of lower legs, a pair of lateral legs, a first mounting foot extending from the pair of lower legs, and a second mounting foot extending from the pair of lateral legs. The guide ring is configured so that the fishing line passes through it. The ring holder is formed in an annular shape. The ring holder has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface that is coupled to the guide ring, and an annular end face formed between the outer and inner circumferential surfaces and oriented toward the tip or butt of the fishing rod. The pair of lower legs extend downward from the ring holder so as to be close to each other. The pair of lower legs have a curved cross-section that is formed in the shape of a curved band when taken in a cutting direction parallel to the central axis of the rod tube. The pair of lateral legs are connected to the ring holder above the position where the pair of lower legs are connected to the ring holder. The pair of lateral legs extend downward from the ring holder and in the direction of orientation of the annular end face, and are curved so as to be close to each other. Each pair of lateral legs has a rectangular cross-section, formed when taken in a transverse direction perpendicular to the outermost surface. In a front view of the fishing line guide viewed from the opposite direction to the orientation of the annular end face, each of the pair of lower legs has a front outer contour line, which is tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface. In a rear view of the fishing line guide viewed from the orientation direction of the annular end face, each of the pair of lateral legs has a rear outer contour line, which is curved to connect to the outer circumferential surface, with an inflection point located outside the outer circumferential surface. In a plan view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs are curved such that the intersection of a pair of virtual extensions passing through the outward-facing long sides of the rectangular cross-sections of each pair of lateral legs lies within the second mounting leg.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the pair of lower legs includes an outward-curving surface that is curved by the curved outward-curving side of the curved cross section, and each of the pair of lateral legs includes an outward-curving long-side surface that includes the outward-curving long side of the rectangular cross section. The outward-curving surface of the lower leg forms a front outer contour line and is continuously connected to the outer surface to move the fishing line to the outer surface of the ring holder. The outward-curving long-side surface of the lateral leg forms a rear outer contour line and is continuously connected to the outer surface to move the fishing line to the outer surface of the ring holder.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the rear view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs are curved such that the intersection of the rectangular cross-sections is located on a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of the ring holding portion, between a position above the upper end of the outer circumferential surface and a position on the upper surface of the second mounting leg. In addition, in the side view of the fishing line guide, each of the pair of lateral legs is curved such that it has an upper contour line formed only by its outward-facing long side surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, in a side view of the fishing line guide, a pair of lower legs extend from the ring holding portion such that the outer peripheral surface has a side outer contour line perpendicular to the lower end contour line of the first mounting foot, and the pair of lower legs are inclined in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face with respect to the side outer contour line.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first mounting leg includes a pair of lower end edges formed in the longitudinal direction of the first mounting leg and a concave lower surface formed between the pair of lower end edges. Each of the pair of lower legs includes an inwardly curved surface that is bent by the bent inward edge of the curved cross section. The inwardly curved surface has a bent edge that is continuously connected to one of the pair of lower end edges.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fishing line guide further includes a bridging portion formed integrally with the pair of lateral legs and the second mounting foot at the lower ends of the pair of lateral legs and the base end of the second mounting foot. The second mounting foot includes a pair of lower end edges formed in the longitudinal direction of the second mounting foot and a concave lower surface formed between the pair of lower end edges. The bridging portion forms the boundary between the pair of lateral legs and the bridging portion and has a pair of bent edges that are continuously connected to the pair of lower end edges, respectively.

[0017] In one embodiment, in the rear view of the fishing line guide, a pair of lateral legs are connected to the ring holding portion such that the ring holding portion is located inside a virtual semicircle. One end of the virtual semicircle is located at the upper intersection between one of the pair of lateral legs and the annular end face, and the other end of the virtual semicircle is located at the lateral intersection between a virtual horizontal line passing through the lower end of the through hole of the guide ring and the other of the pair of lateral legs.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the front and rear views of the fishing line guide, a pair of lower legs extend from the ring holder such that the front outer contour line is located between a first virtual contour line and a second virtual contour line corresponding to the rear outer contour line. The first virtual contour line has a first horizontal separation distance between the first virtual contour line and a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of the ring holder, and the second virtual contour line has a second horizontal separation distance between the second virtual contour line and the virtual vertical axis. The first horizontal separation distance corresponds to 80% of the reference horizontal separation distance between the virtual vertical axis and the rear outer contour line, and the second horizontal separation distance corresponds to 105% of the reference horizontal separation distance.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the pair of lateral legs has a curved strip-shaped cross-section formed in the shape of a curved band when taken transversely near the second mounting foot, and a rectangular cross-section between the curved strip-shaped cross-section and the ring holding portion. Each of the pair of lateral legs is formed such that the cross-section of each lateral leg gradually changes from a curved strip-shaped cross-section to a rectangular cross-section from the second mounting foot toward the annular end face of the ring holding portion.

[0020] Another embodiment of the fishing line guide includes a guide ring, a ring holder, a pair of lower legs, a mounting foot, and a bridging portion.

[0021] The guide ring is configured such that the fishing line passes through the guide ring. The ring holder is formed in a circular shape. The ring holder has an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface coupled to the guide ring, and an annular end surface formed between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface and oriented in the tip direction of the fishing rod. A pair of lower legs extend downward from the ring holder so as to approach each other. The pair of lower legs have a curved cross-sectional shape formed in the shape of a curved band when taking a cutting direction parallel to the central axis of the rod tube. The mounting foot extends from the pair of lower legs. The bridging portion is integrally formed with the pair of lower legs and the mounting foot at the lower ends of the pair of lower legs and the base end of the mounting foot. In a front view of the fishing line guide viewed from the opposite direction of the orientation direction of the annular end surface, each of the pair of lower legs has a front outer contour line that is tangent to the middle of the outer peripheral surface. Each of the pair of lower legs is curved by the curved outer side of the curved cross-sectional shape and includes an outer curved surface forming the front outer contour line. The outer curved surface is continuously connected to the outer peripheral surface so as to move the fishing line to the outer peripheral surface of the ring holder. In a side view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lower legs extend from the ring holder such that the outer peripheral surface of the ring holder has a side outer contour line perpendicular to the lower end contour line of the mounting foot, and the pair of lower legs are inclined in the opposite direction of the orientation direction of the annular end surface with respect to the side outer contour line.

[0022] Also, the disclosed embodiments relate to a fishing rod including a fishing line guide. A fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod tube and the fishing line guide according to the above-described embodiment attached to the rod tube.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The fishing line guide according to one embodiment can release the entanglement of the fishing line in either the mounting direction in which the pair of side legs face the tip of the fishing rod or the mounting direction in which the pair of side legs face the reel. Therefore, the fishing line guide according to one embodiment has no limitation in the mounting direction to the rod tube and can easily release the entanglement of the fishing line.

[0024] The fishing line guide according to one embodiment can correspond to the fishing line released in a spiral shape and can release various forms of entanglement of the fishing line.

[0025] The fishing line guide according to one embodiment has a bridging portion formed between a pair of lower legs and a first mounting leg, and a bridging portion formed between a pair of side legs and a second mounting leg. Therefore, the fishing line guide according to one embodiment can prevent deformation caused by the high load tension of the entangled fishing line and can have improved strength.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing an example of a fishing rod including a fishing line guide according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing another example of a fishing rod including a fishing line guide according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a fishing line guide according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the fishing line guide shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a rear view of the fishing line guide shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a partial plan view of the fishing line guide shown in FIG. 3 showing the cross-sectional shape of the lower leg and the cross-sectional shape of the side leg as viewed from above. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a fishing line guide according to one embodiment in which the side legs are arranged to face the tip direction of the fishing rod. [Figure 8] It is another perspective view showing a fishing line guide according to one embodiment in which the side legs are arranged to face the tip direction of the fishing rod. [Figure 9] It is a partial bottom view of the fishing line guide shown in FIG. 3 showing the lower surface of the mounting leg. [Figure 10] It is a side view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment showing a rectangular cross-section of the side leg. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment showing a rectangular cross-section of the side leg. [Figure 12] It is a rear view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment showing a rectangular cross-section of the side leg. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment showing a rectangular cross-section of the side leg. [Figure 14]Another perspective view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment, showing a rectangular cross-section of the lateral leg. [Figure 15] This is a front view of a fishing line guide according to one embodiment, in which the lateral legs are not shown. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing an example of a fishing line guide being properly positioned according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing an example in which the fishing line guide is positioned in reverse according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing an example of fishing line entanglement when a fishing line guide according to one embodiment is positioned correctly. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing an example of a fishing line becoming tangled and then being untangled. [Figure 20] Figure 19 shows a front view and a side view of the fishing line guide, as well as a diagram illustrating the fishing line shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is a plan view of the fishing line guide, showing the cross-sections of the lower leg and the lateral leg. [Figure 22] Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views showing examples of how fishing line tangles are untangled. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing an example of how fishing line can get tangled when a fishing line guide is positioned in reverse according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing an example of a fishing line becoming tangled and then being untangled. [Figure 25] Figure 24 shows the rear and side views of the fishing line guide, and also shows a diagram illustrating the fishing line. [Figure 26] Figure 24 is a plan view of the fishing line guide, showing the cross-sections of the lower leg and the lateral leg. [Figure 27] Figure 24 is a perspective view showing an example of how fishing line tangles are untangled. [Figure 28] Figure 27 shows the rear and side views of the fishing line guide, and also shows a diagram illustrating the fishing line. [Figure 29] This is a side view showing a modified fishing line guide. [Figure 30]Figure 29 is a plan view of the fishing line guide. [Figure 31] Figure 29 is a perspective view showing a fishing line guide, with its lateral legs positioned to point towards the tip of the fishing rod. [Figure 32] Another perspective view showing the fishing line guide shown in Figure 29, with the lateral legs positioned to point towards the tip of the fishing rod. [Figure 33] This is a perspective view showing a fishing line guide according to another embodiment. [Figure 34] Figure 33 is a front view of the fishing line guide. [Figure 35] Figure 33 is a partial plan view of the fishing line guide, showing the cross-sectional shape of the lower leg. [Figure 36] Figure 33 shows another perspective view of the fishing line guide. [Figure 37] Figure 33 is a side view of the fishing line guide. [Figure 38] Figure 33 is a partial bottom view of the fishing line guide, showing the underside of the mounting feet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, singular expressions described in this disclosure may have plural meanings, and this also applies to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In this disclosure, the tip direction means the direction toward the tip of the fishing rod, and the butt direction is the opposite direction to the tip direction and means the direction toward the butt of the fishing rod. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the tip direction (TD) is the direction toward the tip of the fishing rod relative to the fishing line guide, and the butt direction (BD) is the direction toward the butt and reel of the fishing rod relative to the fishing line guide. The tip direction may correspond to the forward direction of the fishing rod, and the butt direction may correspond to the rearward direction of the fishing rod. In this disclosure, the directional term "upward" means the direction toward which the guide ring of the fishing line guide is located relative to the rod tube of the fishing rod, and the directional term "downward" means the opposite direction to upward.

[0035] In this disclosure, the term "contour line" means a line visible at the outermost edge of a component of a fishing line guide when the fishing line guide is viewed from any one direction, or a line that forms the outermost edge of a component of a fishing line guide. For example, a front outer contour line means a line that forms the outermost edge of a component in a front view of the fishing line guide, and a rear outer contour line means a line that forms the outermost edge of a component in a rear view of the fishing line guide. A side outer contour line means a line that forms the leftmost or rightmost edge of a component in a side view of the fishing line guide.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Refer to Figure 1, which shows a fishing rod according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fishing rod (1) includes a rod tube (10) and a fishing line guide (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is attached to the rod tube.

[0038] The rod tube (10) functions as the main body of the fishing rod and can bend elastically during fishing. The rod tube (10) has the shape of an elongated tube. A fishing rod may include one or more rod tubes. The rod tube (10) of the fishing rod (1) shown in Figure 1 includes a first rod tube (11) and a second rod tube (12). The first rod tube (11) constitutes the butt section of the fishing rod. The tip of the second rod tube (12) constitutes the tip section of the fishing rod. The second rod tube (12) may include one rod tube or two or more rod tubes of different diameters.

[0039] A fishing line (40) and a reel (20) on which the fishing line is wound may be used in a fishing rod. A rig with a fishing hook may be attached to the end of the fishing line (40). When the angler casts the rig, the fishing line (40) is released from the reel (20) toward the tip (TD) of the fishing rod. As the angler operates the reel (20) to catch a fish, the fishing line (40) moves toward the butt (BD) of the fishing rod and is wound onto the reel (20).

[0040] The fishing rod (1) shown in Figure 1 employs a reel (20) positioned below the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The reel (20) shown in Figure 1 may be referred to as a spinning reel. The reel (20) has a spool on which the fishing line (40) is wound, and the spool of the reel (20) rotates around a rotational shaft that is substantially parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. As a result, when the fishing line (40) is released from the reel (20), a portion of the fishing line (40) adjacent to the reel (20) may take on a spiral shape.

[0041] The fishing rod (1) may include a reel seat (30) for fixing and supporting a reel (20). The reel seat (30) releasably secures the two mounting legs (21, 22) of the reel (20) from below, connecting the reel (20) to the rod tube (10). The reel seat (30) is coupled to the rod tube (10). For example, a first rod tube (11) and a second rod tube (12) can be inserted into the reel seat (30) and joined to the reel seat (30), thereby coupling the reel seat (30) to the rod tube (10). The angler can operate the reel (20) with one hand while holding the reel seat (30) with the other hand.

[0042] The fishing rod (1) includes a fishing line guide (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is attached to the rod tube (10) and guides the fishing line (40). The fishing line guide (100) guides the fishing line as it is released from the reel (20) when casting the rig or wound onto the reel (20) when catching a fish. As shown in Figure 1, multiple fishing line guides (100) having the same configuration but different sizes may be attached to the rod tube (e.g., a second rod tube (12)) and arranged along the rod tube.

[0043] The fishing line guide (100) can be fixed to the rod tube (10) by a mounting foot and a fixing thread (51). For example, the mounting foot can be fixed to the rod tube (12) by bringing the mounting foot into contact with the outer surface of the rod tube (12) and tightly wrapping the fixing thread (51) around the mounting foot and a portion of the rod tube (12) where the mounting foot is located. After the fixing thread (51) is wrapped, an adhesive is applied to the wrapped fixing thread (51). When the applied adhesive hardens, an adhesive coating (52) is formed on the wrapped fixing thread (51). The adhesive coating (52) prevents the fixing thread from unraveling.

[0044] Refer to Figure 2, which shows a fishing rod according to another embodiment. The fishing rod (1) shown in Figure 2 employs a reel (20) positioned on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube, and a reel seat (30) releasably secures the two mounting legs of the reel (20) on its upper side. The reel (20) shown in Figure 2 may be referred to as a double axis reel. The spool of the reel (20), on which the fishing line (40) is wound, is positioned perpendicular to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. To guide the fishing line (40) released from the reel (20), a fishing line guide (100) is attached to the rod tube (10) in a different mounting direction than the fishing line guide shown in Figure 1. The fishing line guide shown in Figure 1 can be inverted vertically and horizontally and used as the fishing line guide shown in Figure 2.

[0045] The fishing line guide (100) according to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a ring holder (120), a lower leg (130) extending from the ring holder (120), and a lateral leg (140) extending from the ring holder (120). In the fishing rod shown in Figure 1, the fishing line guide (100) is attached to the rod tube with the lateral leg (140) facing the tip direction (TD). Hereinafter, when the fishing line guide is attached to the rod tube as shown in Figure 1, the attachment of the fishing line guide will be referred to as the correct attachment. In the fishing rod shown in Figure 2, the fishing line guide (100) is attached to the rod tube with the lateral leg (140) facing the butt direction (BD). Hereinafter, when the fishing line guide is attached to the rod tube as shown in Figure 2, the attachment of the fishing line guide will be referred to as the reverse attachment.

[0046] Figures 3 to 38 show various embodiments of fishing line guides. The fishing line guides shown in Figures 3 to 32 include two mounting feet that contact the rod tube of the fishing rod, while the fishing line guides shown in Figures 33 to 38 include one mounting foot that contacts the rod tube of the fishing rod. In relation to the mounting direction of the fishing line guides described above, Figures 3 to 15 and Figures 29 to 32 show fishing line guides positioned in a standard mounting configuration.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a fishing line guide (100) according to one embodiment includes a guide ring (110), a ring holder (120), a pair of lower legs (130), a pair of lateral legs (140), a first mounting foot (150), and a second mounting foot (160).

[0048] The guide ring (110) is formed in a ring shape. The guide ring (110) is configured so that a fishing line (for example, the fishing line (40) shown in Figures 1 and 2) passes through it. The inner circumferential surface of the guide ring (110) forms a through hole (111) through which the fishing line passes. The fishing line may be in contact with the surface of the through hole (111). The guide ring (110) may be made of a wear-resistant ceramic material and may be joined to the ring holder (120) by fitting and bonding.

[0049] The ring holder (120), lower leg (130), lateral leg (140), first mounting foot (150), and second mounting foot (160) are made of metal and are integrally formed. As an example, a metal sheet material made of a metal material such as stainless steel, titanium, or brass may be prepared. This metal sheet material can be press-formed (e.g., blanking) to obtain a blank having the shape of a fishing line guide (100) unfolded on a plane. This blank can be press-formed (e.g., drawing, bending) to form a workpiece in which the ring holder, lower leg, lateral leg, first mounting foot, and second mounting foot are integrally formed. After the formation of such a workpiece, the guide ring (110) can be joined to the ring holder (120).

[0050] The fishing line guide (100) is formed to be symmetrical. Assuming a virtual vertical axis (VA) that passes through the center (CR) of the ring holder (120) and is perpendicular to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube (see, for example, Figure 4), each component of the fishing line guide is formed symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically with respect to the virtual vertical axis (VA). A pair of lower legs (130) are formed symmetrically with respect to the virtual vertical axis (VA), and a pair of lateral legs (140) are formed symmetrically with respect to the virtual vertical axis (VA).

[0051] The ring-holding portion (120) is formed in an annular shape to hold the guide ring (110). Referring to Figure 3, the annularly formed ring-holding portion (120) has an outer circumferential surface (121), an inner circumferential surface (122), and an annular end surface (123). The outer circumferential surface (121) is the outermost surface of the ring-holding portion, and the inner circumferential surface (122) is the innermost surface of the ring-holding portion. The annular end surface (123) is formed between the outer circumferential surface (121) and the inner circumferential surface (122).

[0052] The inner circumferential surface (122) is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the guide ring (110). The guide ring (110) can be fitted onto the inner circumferential surface (122) of the ring retaining portion and coupled to the ring retaining portion. The guide ring (110) can be fixed to the ring retaining portion (120) by an adhesive applied between the outer circumferential surface of the guide ring and the inner circumferential surface (122) of the ring retaining portion. The inner circumferential surface (122) may have an annularly formed fitting surface (1221) and a concave surface (1222) formed around the fitting surface (1221), and the guide ring (110) can be coupled to the fitting surface (1221). The fitting surface (1221) may form a through hole in the ring retaining portion (120) that is coupled to the guide ring.

[0053] The outer circumferential surface (121) is formed in an annular shape and includes a curved surface. The outer circumferential surface (121) meets the inner circumferential surface (122) at its edge in the butt direction (BD). The annular end surface (123) is located between the edge of the outer circumferential surface (121) in the tip direction (TD) and the edge of the inner circumferential surface (122) in the tip direction (TD), and is formed in an annular shape. The annular end surface (123) extends in the circumferential direction of the ring holding portion (120) between the outer circumferential surface (121) and the inner circumferential surface (122), connecting the outer circumferential surface (121) and the inner circumferential surface (122). The annular end surface (123) includes a flattened surface.

[0054] In one embodiment of the fishing line guide, the annular end face (123) is oriented either in the direction of the tip (TD) of the fishing rod or in the direction of the butt (BD) of the fishing rod. When the fishing line guide is mounted upright on the rod tube (see Figure 1), the annular end face (123) is oriented in the direction of the tip of the fishing rod, and the orientation direction of the annular end face is in the direction of the tip. When the fishing line guide is mounted in reverse on the rod tube (see Figure 2), the annular end face (123) is oriented in the direction of the butt of the fishing rod, and the orientation direction of the annular end face is in the direction of the butt. In relation to this, Figure 4 shows a front view of the fishing line guide viewed from the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face, and Figure 5 shows a rear view of the fishing line guide viewed from the direction of the orientation of the annular end face (123).

[0055] A pair of lower legs (130) are integrally formed with the ring holder (120) and support the ring holder (120). Each of the pair of lower legs (130) is connected to the ring holder (120) below the center (CR) of the ring holder. The uppermost end of each lower leg may be located on a virtual horizontal axis (HA) that passes through the center (CR) of the ring holder and is perpendicular to the virtual vertical axis (VA), or below the virtual horizontal axis (HA).

[0056] In the front view of the fishing line guide shown in Figure 4, a pair of lower legs (130) extend downward from the ring holding portion (120) so as to be close to each other, and the lower ends of the close lower legs are connected to the first mounting leg (150). A virtual vertical axis (VA) is located between the pair of lower legs (130), and the pair of lower legs (130) are equidistant from the virtual vertical axis (VA).

[0057] A pair of lateral legs (140) are integrally formed with the ring holder (120) and support the ring holder (120). Each of the pair of lateral legs (140) is connected to the ring holder (120) above the position where the pair of lower legs (130) are connected to the ring holder (120). Each of the pair of lateral legs (140) is connected to the ring holder (120) above the center (CR) of the ring holder. The lowest end of the connection between each lateral leg and the ring holder is located above the virtual horizontal axis (HA). In the side view (see Figure 3) and rear view (see Figure 5) of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs (140) extend downward from the ring holder (120) and in the orientation direction of the annular end face (123) (i.e., the tip direction in the case of right mounting), and curve so as to be close to each other. When the annular end face (123) faces the tip direction, the pair of lateral legs (140) extend downward and forward (tip direction) from the ring holding portion (120). The lower ends of the lateral legs that are close to each other are connected to the second mounting leg (160). In the rear view of the fishing line guide (Figure 5), the virtual vertical axis (VA) is located between the pair of lateral legs (140), and the pair of lateral legs (140) are equidistant from the virtual vertical axis (VA). In the front and rear views of the fishing line guide, each lateral leg (140) extends from the ring holding portion (120) so that no space is formed between the lateral legs and the lower legs.

[0058] The first mounting foot (150) and the second mounting foot (160) function as the part to which the fishing line guide is connected to the rod tube. The first mounting foot (150) and the second mounting foot (160) are configured to contact the rod tube (10) of the fishing rod (for example, the second rod tube (12) shown in Figures 1 and 2). The fishing line guide can be attached to the rod tube by bringing the first mounting foot (150) and the second mounting foot (160) into contact with the outer surface of the rod tube and securing each mounting foot to the rod tube with the aforementioned fixing thread.

[0059] The first mounting leg (150) extends by bending from a pair of lower legs (130). The first mounting leg (150) is formed integrally with the lower ends of the pair of lower legs (130) and has a base end that connects to the lower ends of the lower legs. The first mounting leg (150) extends from the lower ends of the pair of lower legs (130) in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face (123) (i.e., the butt direction in the case of front mounting). For example, in the front mounting of the fishing line guide shown in Figure 3, the first mounting leg (150) extends in the butt direction (BD). The second mounting leg (160) extends by bending from a pair of lateral legs (140). The second mounting leg (160) is formed integrally with the lower ends of the pair of lateral legs (140) and has a base end that connects to the lower ends of the lateral legs. The second mounting leg (160) extends from the lower end of the pair of lateral legs (140) in the orientation direction of the annular end face (i.e., the tip direction in the case of front mounting). The first mounting leg (150) and the second mounting leg (160) may be formed to have the same size, thickness and length, but depending on the embodiment of the fishing line guide, the second mounting leg may be larger in size than the first mounting leg. The lower leg and the lateral leg can be connected to the ring holder such that the vertical distance between the first mounting leg (150) and a virtual parallel axis (PA) passing through the center (CR) of the ring holder and parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube is the same as the vertical distance between the second mounting leg (160) and the virtual parallel axis (PA).

[0060] In one embodiment of the fishing line guide, a pair of lower legs (130) extend from the ring holding portion (120) such that the ring holding portion (120) and the first mounting leg (150) are positioned at a right angle. In a side view of the fishing line guide (see Figure 3), the outer circumferential surface (121) has an outer lateral contour line (1211) perpendicular to the lower end contour line (151) of the first mounting leg and the lower end contour line (161) of the second mounting leg, and the pair of lower legs (130) are inclined in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face (123) with respect to the outer lateral contour line (1211) of the outer circumferential surface of the ring holding portion. For example, in the case of right mounting (see Figure 3), the pair of lower legs (130) are inclined in the butt direction (BD) with respect to the outer lateral contour line (1211) of the ring holding portion (the outer lateral contour line of the outer circumferential surface located in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face). In a side view of the fishing line guide, the lower leg (130) has a side outer contour line (1331). The side outer contour line (1331) of the lower leg may be limited to the space between a virtual parallel axis (PA) and the upper surface of the first mounting leg (150). The side outer contour line (1331) of the lower leg is continuously connected to the side outer contour line (1211) of the ring holder and is inclined in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face (123) from the side outer contour line (1211) of the ring holder. Because the lower leg (130) is inclined with respect to the side outer contour line (1211) of the ring holder, the fishing line can be moved from the lower leg (130) to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder.

[0061] When the fishing line becomes entangled in the line guide during casting, the line guide can easily untangle the line. Lower and lateral legs, having a specific cross-sectional shape and connected to the ring holder at specific positions, enable the untangling of the line.

[0062] In one embodiment of the fishing line guide, each of the pair of lower legs (130) has an upper end located midway along the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder in the vertical direction (for example, at a point on the outer circumferential surface that coincides with a virtual horizontal axis (HA)). In a front view of the fishing line guide (see Figure 4), each of the pair of lower legs (130) has a front outer contour line (1332) that is limited between the upper end located midway along the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and the side end of the first mounting leg (150). Each lower leg (130) is connected to the ring holder (120) such that the front outer contour line (1332) is tangent to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder at the upper end of each lower leg (130). Therefore, the two front outer contour lines (1332) of the pair of lower legs (130) have the maximum separation distance in the middle of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring retaining portion and the minimum separation distance at the side end of the first mounting leg (150).

[0063] Refer to Figures 3, 4, and 6. Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional shape of the lower leg (130) as viewed from above. As an example of the cross-sectional shape of the lower leg (130), Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional shape of the lower leg (130) at the position of the virtual cutting line (SL) shown in Figure 3, where the virtual cutting line (SL) is parallel to the central axis (CA) of the shaft.

[0064] Each of the pair of lower legs (130) has a curved cross section (131) when viewed in a cutting direction (SD) parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube (see Figure 3). The pair of lower legs (130) may have the curved cross section (131) between the ring holding portion (120) and the base end of the first mounting leg (150). The curved cross section (131) may be formed in the shape of a curved strip. In a plan view of the fishing line guide, or in a cross-sectional view of the lower leg taken in the cutting direction, the shape of the curved strip is curved so as to be concave with respect to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. As an example, the curved cross section (131) may be formed in an L-shape, C-shape, or arc shape. Therefore, in a plan view of the fishing line guide, or in a cross-sectional view of the lower leg taken in the cutting direction, each lower leg (130) has a curved cross section (131) that is curved so as to be concave with respect to the center side of the rod tube.

[0065] The curved cross section (131), formed in the shape of a curved band, is defined by four edges. Referring to Figure 6, these four edges include an outward-facing edge (1321), an inward-facing edge (1322), an outer end edge (1323), and an inner end edge (1324). In a plan view of the fishing line guide or a cross-sectional view of the lower leg, the outward-facing edge (1321) points outward (outward direction of the lower leg) away from the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The inward-facing edge (1322) is located opposite the outward-facing edge (1321) and points inward (inward direction of the lower leg) toward the central axis (CA) of the rod tube in a plan view of the fishing line guide or a cross-sectional view of the lower leg. The outer edge (1323) connects the outward-facing edge (1321) and the inward-facing edge (1322), and is oriented in the direction of orientation of the annular end face (tip direction in the case of right-facing mounting, butt direction in the case of reverse mounting). The inner edge (1324) connects the outward-facing edge (1321) and the inward-facing edge (1322), and is oriented in the inward direction toward the central axis of the rod tube in the plan view of the fishing line guide or the cross-sectional view of the lower leg. The outward-facing edge (1321) has a curved shape without any angular parts. The inward-facing edge (1322) may have a curved shape similar to the outward-facing edge (1321). In one embodiment, the inward-facing edge (1322) has a bent shape with an angular part.

[0066] Since the curved cross section (131) is formed by the four edges, each lower leg includes four surfaces corresponding to the four edges. Each lower leg includes an outward curved surface (134) including the outward edge (1321), an inward curved surface (135) including the inward edge (1322), an outer end surface (136) including the outer end edge (1323), and an inner end surface (137) including the inner end edge (1324).

[0067] The outward-facing curved surface (134) is curved by the outward-facing edge (1321). The outward-facing curved surface (134) forms the outermost surface of the lower leg. Because the outward-facing curved surface (134) is curved, the fishing line (40) contacts the outward-facing curved surface (134) over a large area along the outward-facing curved surface (134). The inward-facing curved surface (135) is bent by the inward-facing edge (1322). The inward-facing curved surface (135) is positioned opposite the outward-facing curved surface (134) and is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring holder. The outer end face (136) and the inner end face (137) are formed of flat surfaces. The outer end face (136) is continuously connected to the annular end face of the ring holder and is continuously connected to the base end and lower end of the first mounting leg (150). The inner end face (137) is continuously connected to the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder.

[0068] Referring to Figure 4, the outer edge of the outward curved surface (134) of the lower leg forms the front outer contour line (1332). The outward curved surface (134) is continuously connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and to the upper surface of the first mounting leg (150). When the fishing line becomes entangled, the outward curved surface (134) is configured to slide the fishing line onto the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder (120). As a result, the outward curved surface (134) can move the fishing line onto the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and release the entanglement.

[0069] Refer to Figure 4 and Figures 7 and 8, which show perspective views of the fishing line guide. Figure 8 shows the tip direction in the opposite direction to the orientation shown in Figure 7. According to one embodiment of the fishing line guide, the fishing line guide (100) includes a bridging portion (170) formed at the lower ends of a pair of lower legs (130) and the base end of a first mounting foot (150). The bridging portion (170) is integrally formed with the pair of lower legs (130) and the first mounting foot (150), and the strength of the connection portion between the lower legs and the first mounting foot can be improved.

[0070] The outward curved surface (134), inward curved surface (135), and inner end surface (137) of each lower leg are continuously connected to the bridging section (170). The bridging section (170) includes an upward end surface (171) that is continuously connected to the inner end surface (137) of each lower leg. The outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, the inner end surfaces (137) of each lower leg, and the upward end surface (171) of the bridging section form an opening (138) between the pair of lower legs. The bridging section (170) includes an outward end surface (172) that is connected to the upper surface (152) of the first mounting leg (150). The outward end surface (172) faces either towards the tip (for right mounting) or towards the butt (for reverse mounting) depending on the mounting direction of the fishing line guide. The outward end surface (172) of the bridging section bends relative to the upper surface (152) of the first mounting leg (150). The bridge section (170) includes an inward-facing end face (173) that is continuously connected to the inward-facing curved surface (135) of each lower leg. The inward-facing end face (173) faces the outward-facing end face (172).

[0071] Refer to Figures 3 to 5. In one embodiment of the fishing line guide, each of a pair of lateral legs (140) is connected to the outer circumferential surface (121), inner circumferential surface (122), and annular end surface (123) of the ring holder above the center (CR) of the ring holder.

[0072] In the rear view of the fishing line guide (Figure 5), each lateral leg (140) bulges outward from the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, then curves to be close to each other and is connected to the second mounting leg (160). Each of the pair of lateral legs (140) has a rear outer contour line (1431) that is limited between the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and the lower end of the second mounting leg (160). The rear outer contour line (1431) is connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and the lower end of the second mounting leg (160). The rear outer contour line (1431) is limited between the intersection of each lateral leg and the outer circumferential surface of the ring holder and the lower end of the second mounting leg (160).

[0073] The outer rear contour line (1431) is curved to have an inflection point (1432) located outside the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder. Each lateral leg extending from the ring holder has an inflection section (148) formed at the position of the inflection point (1432), extending from the inflection section (148) toward the second mounting leg (160). In the rear view of the fishing line guide (Figure 5), the inflection point (1432) may be located on the virtual horizontal axis (HA). Thus, the outer rear contour line (1431) of each lateral leg includes a first outer rear contour line (1433) located above the inflection point (1432) and a second outer rear contour line (1434) located below the inflection point (1432). The first outer rear contour line (1433) bulges outward from the outer circumferential contour line (1212) of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder. The second rear outer contour line (1434) extends from the lower end of the first rear outer contour line (1433) to the lower end of the second mounting leg (160). The two rear outer contour lines (1431) of the pair of lateral legs (140) have the maximum separation distance between their respective inflection points (1432) and the minimum separation distance at the lower end of the second mounting leg (160).

[0074] A pair of lateral legs (140) are connected to the ring holder (120) so that the tangled fishing line can easily move along the ring holder (120). Referring to Figure 5, the pair of lateral legs (140) are connected to the ring holder (120) so that the ring holder (120) is located inside the virtual semicircle (SC), allowing the tangled fishing line to slide smoothly along the ring holder (120). One end of the virtual semicircle (SC) is located at the upper intersection (UP) between one of the pair of lateral legs (140) and the annular end face (123) of the ring holder. The other end of the virtual semicircle (SC) passes through the lower end of the through hole (111) of the guide ring (110) and is located at the lateral intersection (LP) between the virtual horizontal line (HL) parallel to the virtual horizontal axis (HA) and the other of the pair of lateral legs (140). Each lateral leg is connected to the ring holding portion (120) such that the ring holding portion (120) is located inside a virtual semicircle (SC) having an upper intersection (UP) and a lateral intersection (LP) at its endpoints.

[0075] Refer to Figures 3, 5, and 6. Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the fishing line guide, showing a cross-section of the lateral leg at the position of the virtual cutting line (SL) in Figure 3.

[0076] Each of the pair of lateral legs (140) has a rectangular cross-section (141) that is formed in a rectangular shape when taken in the transverse direction (CD) (see Figure 3) of each lateral leg. The transverse direction (CD) is the direction that crosses each lateral leg so as to be perpendicular to the outermost surface of each lateral leg. Each lateral leg may have a rectangular cross-section (141) between the ring holder (120) and the base end of the second mounting leg (160). Since each lateral leg curves from the ring holder to the second mounting leg, the angle between the central axis of the rod tube and the transverse direction (CD) can change along the outermost surface of the lateral leg. As an example of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of a lateral leg, the rectangular cross-section (141) of the lateral leg taken in the transverse direction (CD) at the position of the virtual cutting line (SL) in Figure 3 is shown in Figure 6.

[0077] The rectangular cross section (141) is defined by four sides, the four sides being straight. The four sides include an outward-facing long side (1421), an outward-facing short side (1422), an inward-facing long side (1423), and an inward-facing short side (1424). In a plan view of the fishing line guide, or a cross-sectional view of the lateral leg taken in the transverse direction (CD), each lateral leg is curved such that the outward-facing long side (1421) and outward-facing short side (1422) point outward from the central axis (CA) of the rod tube (outward direction of the lateral leg), and the inward-facing long side (1423) and inward-facing short side (1424) point inward towards the central axis (CA) of the rod tube (inward direction of the lateral leg). The inward-facing long side (1423) is positioned opposite the outward-facing long side (1421). The outward-facing short side (1422) connects the outward-facing long side (1421) and the inward-facing long side (1423), and the inward-facing short side (1424) connects the outward-facing long side (1421) and the inward-facing long side (1423). In the plan view of the fishing line guide or the cross-sectional view of the lateral legs, the pair of lateral legs (140) extend and curve from the ring holding portion such that the intersection (IP) of a pair of virtual extension lines (EL) passing through the outward-facing long side (1421) of the rectangular cross-section (141) of the pair of lateral legs is located within the second mounting leg (160) and on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube.

[0078] Since the rectangular cross-section (141) of each lateral leg is formed by four sides, each lateral leg contains four flattened surfaces. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, each lateral leg contains an outward-facing long side surface (144) including the outward-facing long side (1421), an inward-facing long side surface (146) including the inward-facing long side (1423), an outward-facing short side surface (145) including the outward-facing short side (1422), and an inward-facing short side surface (147) including the inward-facing short side (1424). The outward-facing long side surface (144) is formed by the outward-facing long side (1421) of the rectangular cross-section. The outward-facing long side surface (144) becomes the outermost surface of the lateral leg. The pair of lateral legs (140) are curved such that the intersection (IP) of the extensions (EL) from the outward long side (1421) of the outward long side (144) lies within the second mounting leg (160), so that the fishing line (40) can contact the outward long side (144) with a large width instead of contacting the boundary between the outward long side and the outward short side. The outward long side (144) is connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder. The inward long side (146) is positioned opposite the outward long side (144) and is connected to the inner circumferential surface (122) of the ring holder. The outward short side (145) and the inward short side (147) are connected to the annular end face (123) of the ring holder.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5, the outer edge of the outward-facing long side surface (144) of the lateral leg forms the outer contour line (1431) of the lateral leg. The outward-facing long side surface (144) is continuously connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and is connected to the lower end of the second mounting leg (160). The outward-facing long side surface (144) is configured to slide the fishing line onto the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder when the fishing line becomes entangled. When the fishing line becomes entangled, the outward-facing long side surface (144) moves the fishing line onto the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, thereby releasing the entanglement.

[0080] Refer to Figures 5, 7, and 8. According to one embodiment of the fishing line guide, the fishing line guide (100) includes a bridging portion (180) formed at the lower ends of a pair of lateral legs (140) and the base end of a second mounting foot (160). The bridging portion (180) is formed integrally with the pair of lateral legs (140) and the second mounting foot (160), and the strength of the connection between the lateral legs and the second mounting foot can be improved.

[0081] The outward-facing long side (144), inward-facing long side (146), and inward-facing short side (147) of each lateral leg are connected to the bridging section (180). The bridging section (180) includes an upward-facing end surface (181) connected to the inward-facing short side (147) of each lateral leg. The bridging section (180) includes an inward-facing end surface (182) connected to the inward-facing long side (146) of each lateral leg. The bridging section (180) includes an outward-facing end surface (183) connected to the upper surface (162) of the second mounting leg (160) and the outward-facing long side (144) of each lateral leg. The outward-facing end surface (183) of the bridging section (180) bends relative to the upper surface (162) of the second mounting leg.

[0082] According to one embodiment of a fishing line guide, the fishing line guide has improved strength between the first mounting leg and the lower leg, and also improved strength between the second mounting leg and the lateral leg. A bent edge provided between the mounting leg and the leg can improve the strength between the mounting leg and the leg.

[0083] Referring to both Figure 4 and Figure 9, which shows a partial bottom view of the fishing line guide, the first mounting foot (150) includes a pair of lower end edges (153) and a concave bottom surface (154) formed between them. The pair of lower end edges (153) may contact the rod tube of the fishing rod and may form the aforementioned lower end contour of the first mounting foot. The pair of lower end edges (153) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the first mounting foot (150) and may be parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The concave bottom surface (154) is defined by the pair of lower end edges (153) and is rounded and concave.

[0084] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the pair of lower edges (153) are connected to the inward curved surfaces (135) of the pair of lower legs (130). The bent edge (1351) of each inward curved surface (135) is continuously connected to one of the pair of lower edges (153). The bent edge (1351) corresponds to the bend point of the inward edge of the curved cross section. The inward end surface (173) of the bridge section (170) is continuously connected to the concave lower surface (154), and the outer end surface (136) of each lower leg is connected to one of the pair of lower edges (153).

[0085] Press lines formed on the fishing line guide manufactured by press forming a pair of lower end edges (153) and bent edges (1351) connected to each of them. A press line can mean a bent linear portion or bent edge generated in a press-formed metal sheet. Since each lower end edge and each bent edge formed as a press line are continuously connected, the fishing line guide can have improved strength between the lower leg and the first mounting leg.

[0086] Referring to Figures 5 and 9, the second mounting foot (160) includes a pair of lower end edges (163) and a concave lower surface (164) formed between them. The pair of lower end edges (163) may contact the rod tube of the fishing rod and may form the aforementioned lower end contour of the second mounting foot. The pair of lower end edges (163) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the second mounting foot (160) and may be parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The concave lower surface (164) is defined by the pair of lower end edges (163) and is rounded and concave.

[0087] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the bridging section (180) includes a pair of bent edges (184) that are continuously connected to a pair of lower end edges (163). The pair of bent edges (184) of the bridging section form the boundary between the pair of lateral legs (140) and the bridging section (180). In addition, the inward end face (182) of the bridging section is continuously connected to the concave lower surface (164), and the outward short side face (145) of each lateral leg is connected to one of the pair of lower end edges (163). The press lines of the fishing line guide manufactured by press forming the pair of lower end edges (163) and the bent edges (184) connected to them. Since each lower end edge of the second mounting leg and each bent edge of the bridging section are continuously connected, the fishing line guide can have improved strength between the lateral legs and the second mounting leg.

[0088] Figures 10 to 14 show detailed rectangular cross-sections of the lateral legs. The rectangular cross-sections and curvature of the lateral legs will be explained below with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[0089] Referring to Figure 10, which shows a side view of the fishing line guide, each lateral leg (140) has an upper contour line (1435) and a lower contour line (1436). The upper contour line (1435) is limited to the intersection of the outward-facing long side face (144) and the annular end face (123) and the intersection of the outward-facing long side face (144) and the second mounting leg (160). The lower contour line (1436) is limited to the intersection of the outward-facing short side face (145) and the annular end face (123) and the intersection of the outward-facing short side face (145) and the second mounting leg (160). Each lateral leg (140) is curved so that it has an upper contour line (1435) formed only by the outward-facing long side face (144). Each lateral leg (140) is curved to have a lower contour line (1436) formed only by its outward-facing short side surface (145). Therefore, in a side view of the fishing line guide according to one embodiment, only the outward-facing long side surface (144) and outward-facing short side surface (145) of each lateral leg are observed, and the inward-facing long side surface and inward-facing short side surface of each lateral leg are not observed. Furthermore, the outward-facing long side surface (144) extends from the outer peripheral surface (121) of the ring holding portion to the outward end surface (183) of the bridging portion with almost no twist, allowing the fishing line to slide smoothly along the outward-facing long side surface (144). For example, each lateral leg can be extended from the ring holding portion so that the outward-facing long side surface (144) and the inward-facing long side surface do not reverse with respect to each other, thereby maximizing the area of ​​the outward-facing long side surface (144) that contacts the fishing line.

[0090] Figures 10 to 14 show the rectangular cross-sections of each lateral leg (140) and the connecting cross-section between the lateral leg and the ring holder. For example, Figure 10 illustrates the four rectangular cross-sections of a lateral leg (the first to fourth rectangular cross-sections (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414)) and the connecting cross-section (149), with the first to fourth rectangular cross-sections and the connecting cross-section shown in gray. As mentioned above, the rectangular cross-sections of the lateral legs are taken in a transverse direction that traverses the lateral leg so as to be perpendicular to the outermost surface of the lateral leg. The outermost surface of the lateral leg may be the outward-facing long side (144), and each rectangular cross-section (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414) may be perpendicular to the outward-facing long side (144). Since each lateral leg is curved, the angles between the rectangular cross-section of each lateral leg and the central axis of the rod may differ from each other. The connecting cross section (149) of each lateral leg is the cross section between each lateral leg and the annular end face of the ring holding portion, and may be perpendicular to the central axis of the rod tube.

[0091] Referring to Figure 11, which shows a plan view of the fishing line guide, the first rectangular cross section (1411) is located near the inflection section (148), and the intersection point (IP1) of the virtual extension lines (EL1) passing through the outward-facing long sides of the first rectangular cross section (1411) is located on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube within the base end of the second mounting leg (160) or the outward-facing end face (183) of the bridging section. The fourth rectangular cross section (1414) is located near the base end of the second mounting leg (160), and the intersection point (IP4) of the virtual extension lines (EL4) passing through the outward-facing long sides of the fourth rectangular cross section (1414) is located on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube within the second mounting leg (160). The intersection point (IP2) of the virtual extension line (EL2) of the second rectangular cross section (1412) and the intersection point (IP3) of the virtual extension line (EL3) of the third rectangular cross section (1413) are located on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube within the second mounting leg (160) between intersection points (IP1) and (IP4). The pair of lateral legs (140) are curved such that the distance between the outward-facing long sides (144) of the pair of lateral legs (140) increases from the base end of the second mounting leg (160) toward the inflection section (148), as indicated by the positions of the first to fourth rectangular cross sections (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414).

[0092] Referring to Figure 12, which shows the rear view of the fishing line guide, the connecting section (149) has a rectangular shape, and the intersection (IP5) of the virtual extension line (EL5) passing through the outward-facing long side of the connecting section (149) is located above the upper end of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holding part and on the virtual vertical axis (VA). The intersection (IP1) of the first rectangular cross section (1411) is located below the upper end of the through hole (111) of the guide ring (110) and above the virtual horizontal axis (HA), and is located on the virtual vertical axis (VA). Therefore, when a rectangular cross section is taken between the connecting section (149) and the first rectangular cross section (1411) that is perpendicular to the outward-facing long side surface (144), the intersection of the outward-facing long sides of such a rectangular cross section is located between the intersection (IP5) and the intersection (IP1) on the virtual vertical axis (VA). Furthermore, the intersections (IP2, IP3, IP4) of the second to fourth rectangular cross-sections (1412, 1413, 1414) are located on the virtual vertical axis (VA). Thus, the pair of lateral legs are curved so that the intersections of the rectangular cross-sections are located on the virtual vertical axis (VA) between a position above the upper end of the outer perimeter surface (121) and the position of the upper surface of the second mounting leg (160).

[0093] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, each lateral leg is connected to the ring holder (120) such that the intersection (IP5) of the virtual extension lines (EL5) of the outward-facing long sides of the connecting section (149) is located on the outer surface (121) of the ring holder. Furthermore, each lateral leg is curved such that the intersections (IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4) of the virtual extension lines (EL1, EL2, EL3, EL4) of the first to fourth rectangular cross-sections (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414) are located on each lateral leg. Consequently, the intersection of the rectangular cross-sections of each lateral leg is located on each lateral leg between the intersection (IP5) of the connecting section (149) and the upper surface of the second mounting leg (160). As a result, each lateral leg curves such that the outward-facing long side surface (144) of each lateral leg faces outward from the fishing line guide between the outer circumferential surface (121) and the upper surface of the second mounting leg (160), and does not face inward from the fishing line guide.

[0094] In one embodiment of the fishing line guide, the lower leg (130) and the lateral leg (140) extend from the ring holding portion such that, in the front view and rear view of the fishing line guide, the front outer contour line of the lower leg (130) and the rear outer contour line of the lateral leg (140) substantially coincide from the upper surface of the first mounting foot or the upper surface of the second mounting foot up to a predetermined height. This allows the fishing line to slide smoothly on the outer surface of the ring holding portion.

[0095] For example, refer to Figure 5, a rear view of the fishing line guide, and Figure 15, a front view of the fishing line guide showing only a pair of lower legs, with the illustration of the pair of lateral legs omitted. In the front and rear views of the fishing line guide, the lower and lateral legs may extend from the ring holding portion such that the front outer contour line (1332) of the lower leg and the rear outer contour line (1431) (shown as dashed lines in Figure 15) of the lateral leg substantially coincide within a range of up to 30% of the total height of the fishing line guide from the upper surface of the first mounting leg (150) or the upper surface of the second mounting leg (160).

[0096] More specifically, a pair of front outer contour lines (1332) may be positioned within a range defined by a pair of first virtual contour lines (CL1) and a pair of second virtual contour lines (CL2), each corresponding to a pair of rear outer contour lines (1431). A pair of lower legs (130) extend from the ring holder (120) such that the front outer contour line (1332) of each lower leg is located between the first virtual contour line (CL1) and the second virtual contour line (CL2), which correspond to the rear outer contour line (1431) of each lateral leg. In relation to the positions of the first and second virtual contour lines (CL1, CL2), the first virtual contour line (CL1) has a first horizontal clearance distance (HD1) between the virtual vertical axis (VA) and the first virtual contour line (CL1), and the first horizontal clearance distance (HD1) corresponds to 80% of the reference horizontal clearance distance (HD) between the virtual vertical axis (VA) and the rear outer contour line (1431). The second virtual contour line (CL2) has a second horizontal separation distance (HD2) between the virtual vertical axis (VA) and the second virtual contour line (CL2), and the second horizontal separation distance (HD2) corresponds to 105% of the reference horizontal separation distance (HD) of the back outer contour line (1431).

[0097] The fishing line guide according to the embodiments of this disclosure can release tangles in the fishing line whether it is mounted in the forward position as shown in Figure 1 or in the reverse position as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the direction in which the fishing line guide is attached to the rod tube. The operation of the fishing line guide and the principle of releasing tangles will be explained below.

[0098] Figure 16 shows an example of a fishing line guide positioned in the right direction according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 16, when the fishing line guide is attached to the rod tube in the right direction, the pair of lateral legs (140) face the tip direction (TD) of the fishing rod, and the pair of lower legs (130) are positioned away from the pair of lateral legs (140) in the butt direction (BD). As shown in Figure 16, a fishing line guide positioned in the right direction can be configured so that the spiral fishing line (40) does not come into contact with the pair of lateral legs (140).

[0099] Figure 17 shows an example of a fishing line guide being mounted in reverse according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 17, when the fishing line guide is mounted in reverse on the rod tube, the pair of lateral legs (140) face the butt direction (BD) toward the reel, and the pair of lower legs (130) are positioned away from the pair of lateral legs (140) toward the tip direction (TD).

[0100] Even if the speed of the cast rig decreases, the speed of the fishing line released from the reel may not decrease. Therefore, referring to Figures 16 and 17, a portion of the fishing line before passing through the guide ring (110) or a portion of the fishing line after passing through the guide ring (110) may form a loop portion (43) having a loop shape. In such a situation, crosswinds or movement of the fishing rod may cause the loop portion (43) to move to the ring holder (120), causing the fishing line (40) to become entangled, wrapping around the guide ring (110) and the ring holder (120). Also, while the fishing line is entangled with the guide ring and the ring holder, a portion of the fishing line (40) may come into contact with the lower leg and the lateral leg of the fishing line guide. Hereinafter, the portion of the fishing line entangled with the guide ring and the ring holder will be referred to as the entangled portion, and the portion of the fishing line in contact with the lower leg or the lateral leg will be referred to as the contact portion. The fishing line guide, as shown in the examples of forward mounting in Figure 16 and reverse mounting in Figure 17, can easily untangle various forms of fishing line and smoothly guide the fishing line.

[0101] Refer to Figures 18 to 22, which show an example of how fishing line tangles are released when the fishing line guide is properly mounted on the rod tube as shown in Figure 16.

[0102] Referring to Figure 18, a portion of the fishing line that has passed through the guide ring (110) (shown by a solid line) generates a loop (43). The loop (43) can move up along the ring holder (120) past the portion of the fishing line before it passed through the guide ring (110), and Figure 18 shows the movement of the loop (43) moving up with a dashed line. This can cause the fishing line to become entangled in the fishing line guide, as shown in Figure 19. Referring to Figure 19, with the fishing line entangled, the aforementioned loop forms an entangled portion (41) that wraps around the guide ring (110) and the ring holder (120). Also, with the fishing line entangled, the fishing line is in contact with the lateral leg (140) at a contact point (44) and with the lower leg (130) at another contact point (45). The tension generated by casting the rig continues to act on the fishing line (40) in the tip direction (TD), causing a portion of the fishing line (46) to move in the tip direction (TD) of the fishing rod due to the tension. Due to the movement of the fishing line caused by the tension and the shape characteristics of the fishing line guide, the contact portion (44) and the contact portion (45) move to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holding portion, and the entangled portion (41) is released.

[0103] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the contact portion (44) in contact with the lateral leg moves in the direction of arrow (AM1) along the outward-facing long side surface (144) of the lateral leg to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder. Since the outward-facing long side surface (144) faces outward from the fishing line guide and has no twist, the contact portion (44) slides along the outward-facing long side surface (144) to the outer circumferential surface (121) while only in contact with the outward-facing long side surface (144). Since the lateral leg (140) has the aforementioned back outer contour line (1431), the contact portion (44) slides past the inflection portion (148) of the lateral leg to the outer circumferential surface (121). A part of the lateral leg (140) including the inflection portion (148) and the ring holder (120) are located inside the virtual semicircle (SC) between the upper intersection (UP) and the lateral intersection (LP). Therefore, the contact portion (44) and a portion of the fishing line between the contact portion (44) and the contact portion (45) do not get caught on the annular end face (123) of the ring holding portion between the lower leg (130) and the ring holding portion (120), or between the lower leg (130) and the lateral leg (140), but slide on the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holding portion.

[0104] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the contact portion (45) that contacts the lower leg moves along the outward curved surface (134) of the lower leg toward the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder in the direction of arrow (AM2). Since the lower leg (130) has a front outer contour line (1332) that is tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, the contact portion (45) slides smoothly past the outward curved surface (134) of the lower leg toward the upper end of the outer circumferential surface (121). As shown in Figure 21, the outward curved surface (134) is curved and does not form an angular surface. Therefore, the contact portion (45) is not constrained by the outward curved surface (134) and slides smoothly along the outward curved surface (134) toward the outer circumferential surface of the ring holder.

[0105] Referring to Figure 22, as mentioned above, the contact point of the fishing line moves, and the tangled part shown in Figure 19 is released. As shown in Figures 19 to 22, the fishing line guide according to one embodiment is positioned on the rod tube in a straight line manner, and tangles in the fishing line can be easily released.

[0106] Refer to Figures 23 to 28, which show an example of how fishing line tangles are released when the fishing line guide is mounted in reverse on the rod tube, as shown in Figure 17.

[0107] Referring to Figure 23, a loop portion (43) formed by a part of the fishing line (shown by a solid line) that has passed through the guide ring (110) can rise along the ring holding portion (120), and the shape of the rising loop portion is shown by a dashed line. As a result, the fishing line entanglement shown in Figure 24 can occur in the fishing line guide. Referring to Figure 24, in the state where the fishing line entanglement has occurred, the aforementioned loop portion forms an entangled portion (42) that is wrapped around the guide ring (110) and the ring holding portion (120) at the upper end of the lateral leg (140). In addition, the fishing line is in contact with the lateral leg (140) at the contact portion (44) and in contact with the lower leg (130) at the contact portion (45). As a portion of the fishing line (46) moves in the direction of the tip (TD) due to the tension generated by casting the rig, the contact portion (44) and the contact portion (45) move to the outer surface (121) of the ring holder, causing the entangled portion (42) to move and release the entangled portion (42).

[0108] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, the contact portion (44) in contact with the lateral leg moves along the outward-facing long side surface (144) to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder in the direction of the arrow (AM3). The outward-facing long side surface (144) faces outward from the fishing line guide, has almost no twist, and forms the outer contour line (1431) on the back of the lateral leg. Also, as shown in Figure 26, the outward-facing long side surface (144) is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. Therefore, the contact portion (44) slides to the outer circumferential surface (121) without getting caught on the outward-facing long side surface (144). The contact portion (45) in contact with the lower leg slides along the outward-facing curved surface (134) of the lower leg to the outer circumferential surface (121). Since a portion of the lateral leg (140), including the inflection portion (148), and the ring holding portion (120) are located inside the virtual semicircle (SC), the entanglement portion (42) is not constrained between the lateral leg (140) and the ring holding portion (120), and moves in the direction of the arrow (AM4) along with the movement of the contact portions (44,45).

[0109] After the contact points (44, 45) have moved as described above, the fishing line is entangled in the fishing line guide in the state shown in Figure 27. Referring to Figures 27 and 28, the entanglement shown in Figure 24 has been released to some extent, and the contact point (44) shown in Figure 24 has passed the inflection point (148) of the lateral leg and is located between the inflection point (148) and the ring holding part (120). As shown in Figure 28, since the ring holding part (120) and the upper part of the lateral leg (140) are located inside the virtual semicircle (SC) between the upper intersection (UP) and the lateral intersection (LP), the contact point (44) can easily move in the direction of the arrow (AM5) past the upper end of the outer circumferential surface (121). As a result, the entanglement shown in Figure 24 can be completely released. As shown in Figures 19 to 28, the fishing line guide according to one embodiment can easily release the fishing line entanglement even when it is mounted in reverse on the rod tube.

[0110] Refer to Figures 29 to 32, which show a modified version of the previously described embodiment. The fishing line guide (200) shown in Figures 29 to 32 includes a pair of modified lateral legs (240) compared to the lateral legs of the fishing line guide according to the previously described embodiment.

[0111] Each of the lateral legs (240) has two types of cross-sections. The lateral leg (240) has a curved strip-shaped cross-section (241) near the base end of the second mounting leg (160). The lateral leg (240) also has the aforementioned rectangular cross-section (141) between the curved strip-shaped cross-section (241) and the annular end face (123) of the ring holding portion. The curved strip-shaped cross-section (241) is formed in the shape of a curved strip when taken in a transverse direction perpendicular to the outermost surface of the lateral leg. As a result, the lateral leg (240) is formed such that its cross-section gradually changes from a curved strip-shaped cross-section (241) to a rectangular cross-section (141) from the second mounting leg (160) towards the annular end face (123) of the ring holding portion.

[0112] The lateral leg (240) may have a curved strip-shaped cross section (241) within a predetermined range along the lateral leg from the base end of the second mounting leg (160). The curved strip-shaped cross section (241) can take shapes ranging from a bent strip to a nearly unbent strip. For example, the curved strip-shaped cross section (2411) can take the shape of a strip bent at 90°, and the curved strip-shaped cross section (2412) can take the shape of a strip bent at 45°. In the lateral leg (240), the highest position of the curved strip-shaped cross section may correspond to the height of the lower end of the ring holding portion (120) (see Figure 29). At the highest position of the curved strip-shaped cross section, the lateral leg (140) has a rectangular cross section (141). Since the lateral leg (240) has a curved strip-shaped cross-section between the base end of the second mounting leg (160) and a predetermined height, the lateral leg (240) can have a wider cross-section, and the fishing line guide (200) can have improved strength in the lateral leg.

[0113] Referring to Figures 29 and 30, the lateral leg (240) has an upper contour line (1435) formed solely by the outward-facing long side surface (144). The outward-facing long side surface (144) of the lateral leg (240) forms the aforementioned rear outer contour line and is continuously connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder. The outward-facing long side surface (144) of the lateral leg (240) includes the curved outward-facing long side (2421) of the curved strip-shaped cross section in the region of the curved strip-shaped cross section, and includes the aforementioned outward-facing long side (1421) of the rectangular cross section in the region of the rectangular cross section. The outward-facing long side surface (144) of the lateral leg (240) can contact the fishing line over a wider area than the outward-facing long side surface of the previously described embodiment between the second mounting foot and the lower end of the ring holder. Only the outward-facing long side surface (144) is connected to the upper surface (162) of the second mounting foot (160).

[0114] Referring to Figure 30, the cross-section of the lateral leg (240) can range from a curved, strip-shaped cross-section (2411) bent at 90° to a nearly uncurved strip shape (for example, a shape similar to the rectangular cross-section (141)). The rectangular cross-section (141) of the lateral leg (240) is located above the curved, strip-shaped cross-section (241). The intersection of the imaginary extension lines passing through the outward-facing long side of the rectangular cross-section (141) is located on the central axis (CA) of the rod tube within the second mounting leg (160).

[0115] Referring to Figures 30 and 31, the inward-facing long side surface (146) of the lateral leg (240) is connected to the inward-facing end surface (182) of the bridging section (180). The inward-facing long side surface (146) includes the bent inward-facing long side (2423) of the curved strip-shaped cross section in the region of the curved strip-shaped cross section, and includes the aforementioned inward-facing long side (1423) of the rectangular cross section in the region of the rectangular cross section. The inward-facing long side surface (146) has a bent edge (2461) in the region of the curved strip-shaped cross section. The bent edge (2461) corresponds to the bend point of the inward-facing long side (2423) of the curved strip-shaped cross section. The bent edge (2461) can be connected to the aforementioned lower end edge of the second mounting leg (160). The outward-facing short side surface (145) of the lateral leg (240) is connected to the lower end of the second mounting leg (160), and the inward-facing short side surface (147) of the lateral leg (240) is connected to the upward-facing end surface (181) of the bridge section (180).

[0116] Refer to Figures 33 to 38, which show another embodiment of the fishing line guide. Compared to the fishing line guide according to the previously described embodiment, the fishing line guide (300) shown in Figures 33 to 38 includes only one mounting leg (350) and can be used as a fishing line guide having one mounting leg. The fishing line guide (300) shown in Figures 33 to 38 can be manufactured by press working from a blank of metal sheet material formed without the lateral legs and second mounting leg of the fishing line guide according to the previously described embodiment. The fishing line guide (300) has the same configuration as the fishing line guide of the previously described embodiment, except for the aforementioned lateral legs and second mounting leg. The structure and configuration of the fishing line guide (300) can be understood from the structure and configuration of the fishing line guide according to the previously described embodiment.

[0117] Referring to Figures 33 and 34, the fishing line guide (300) includes a guide ring (110), a ring holder (120), a pair of lower legs (130), a mounting foot (350), and a bridging portion (170). The mounting foot (350) is the first mounting foot of the fishing line guide in the embodiment described above. Referring to Figure 33, the fishing line guide (300) is positioned on the rod tube so that the mounting foot (350) faces the butt direction (BD) towards the reel, similar to the mounting of the fishing line guide in the embodiment described above. In the front view of the fishing line guide (see Figure 34), each of the pair of lower legs (130) has a front outer contour line (1332) tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder.

[0118] Referring to Figure 35, each of the pair of lower legs (130) has a curved cross section (131) taken in a cutting direction parallel to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. In a plan view of the fishing line guide or a cross-sectional view of the lower leg taken in the cutting direction, the curved cross section (131) may be formed in the shape of a curved strip. The shape of the curved strip is curved inward relative to the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The curved cross section (131) may be limited by an outward-facing side (1321), an inward-facing side (1322), an outer end side (1323), and an inner end side (1324). In a plan view of the fishing line guide or a cross-sectional view of the lower leg, the outward-facing side (1321) faces outward, away from the central axis (CA) of the rod tube. The inward-facing side (1322) is positioned opposite the outward-facing side (1321) and oriented inward towards the central axis (CA) of the rod tube in the plan view of the fishing line guide or the cross-sectional view of the lower leg. The outward-facing side (1321) has a curved shape, and the inward-facing side (1322) has a bent shape. The outer end side (1323) is oriented in the orientation direction of the annular end face, and the inner end side (1324) is oriented towards one of the pair of lower legs.

[0119] Referring to Figures 35 and 36, each lower leg includes an outward curved surface (134) containing an outward edge (1321), an inward curved surface (135) containing an inward edge (1322), an outer end surface (136) containing an outer end edge (1323), and an inner end surface (137) containing an inner end edge (1324). The outward curved surface (134) is curved by the outward edge (1321). The outward curved surface (134) forms the outer front contour line. The outward curved surface (134) is continuously connected to the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder and to the upper surface (152) of the mounting leg (350). When the fishing line becomes entangled, the outward curved surface (134) causes the fishing line to slide against the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, and the fishing line moves along the outward curved surface (134) to the outer circumferential surface (121). The inwardly curved surface (135) is bent by the inwardly curved edge (1322) and is connected to the inner circumferential surface (122) of the ring holder. The outer end face (136) and the inner end face (137) are formed with flat surfaces. The outer end face (136) is continuously connected to the annular end face (123) of the ring holder and is continuously connected to the lower end of the mounting leg (350). The inner end face (137) is continuously connected to the lower part of the outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder.

[0120] Referring to Figure 37, a pair of lower legs (130) extend from the ring holder (120) such that the ring holder (120) and the mounting foot (350) are positioned at a right angle. The outer lateral contour line (1211) of the outer circumferential surface (121) is perpendicular to the lower end contour line (151) of the mounting foot (350), and the pair of lower legs (130) are inclined with respect to the outer lateral contour line (1211) of the outer circumferential surface in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face (butt direction). As a result, the outer lateral contour line (1331) of the lower legs (130) is formed to be inclined in the butt direction from the outer lateral contour line (1211) of the outer circumferential surface (121), allowing the fishing line to easily move along the outer circumferential surface (121).

[0121] Referring to Figures 33, 34, and 36, the inner end face (137) of each lower leg is continuously connected to the upward end face (171) of the bridging section (170). The inward curved surface (135) of each lower leg is continuously connected to the inward end face (173) of the bridging section. The outer circumferential surface (121) of the ring holder, the inner end face (137) of each lower leg, and the upward end face (171) of the bridging section form an opening (138) between the pair of lower legs.

[0122] Referring to Figures 36 and 38, the mounting leg (350) includes a pair of lower end edges (153) and a concave bottom surface (154). Each of the pair of lower end edges (153) is continuously connected to a bent edge (1351) of each inward curved surface (135). The concave bottom surface (154) is continuously connected to the inward end surface (173) of the bridging portion (170). The lower end edges (153) and the bent edges (1351) are formed by press lines of the fishing line guide manufactured by press working. Because the lower end edges (153) and the bent edges (1351) are continuously connected, the fishing line guide may have improved strength between the lower leg and the mounting leg.

[0123] 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]

[0124] 1 Fishing rod, 10 Rod tube, 40 Fishing line, 100 Fishing line guide, 110 Guide ring, 111 Through hole, 120 Ring holder, 121 Outer surface, 1211 Side outer contour, 122 Inner surface, 123 Annular end face, 130 Lower leg, 131 Curved cross section, 1321 Outward edge, 1322 Inward edge, 1332 Front outer contour, 134 Outward curved surface, 135 Inward curved surface, 1351 Bent edge, 140 Lateral leg, 141 Rectangular cross section, 1421 Outward long side, 1431 Back outer contour, 1432 Inflection point, 1435 Upper contour, 144 Outward long side surface, 150 First mounting leg, 151 Lower end contour, 153 Lower end edge, 154 Concave bottom surface, 160 Second mounting foot, 163 Bottom edge, 164 Concave bottom surface, 170 Bridge section, 180 Bridge section, 184 Bent edge, 200 Fishing line guide, 240 Lateral leg, 241 Curved strip-shaped cross section, 300 Fishing line guide, 350 Mounting foot, BD Butt direction, CL1 First virtual contour line, CL2 Second virtual contour line, CR Center, EL Virtual extension line, HD Reference horizontal separation distance, HD1 First horizontal separation distance, HD2 Second horizontal separation distance, HL Virtual horizontal line, IP Intersection, LP Lateral intersection, SC Virtual semicircle, TD Tip direction, UP Upper intersection, VA Virtual vertical axis.

Claims

1. A fishing line guide that is attached to the rod tube of a fishing rod, A guide ring configured for the fishing line to pass through, A ring-holding portion formed in an annular shape has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface coupled to the guide ring, and an annular end surface formed between the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface and oriented in the tip direction or butt direction of the fishing rod, A pair of lower legs extend downward from the ring holding portion so as to be close to each other, and when cut in a direction parallel to the central axis of the rod tube, they have a curved cross-section formed in the shape of a curved band, The pair of lower legs are connected to the ring holding portion above the position where they are connected, and extend downward from the ring holding portion in the orientation direction of the annular end face, curving so as to be close to each other, and when taken in a transverse direction perpendicular to the outermost surface, they have a pair of lateral legs having a rectangular cross-section, A first mounting foot extending from the pair of lower legs, Including a second mounting foot extending from the pair of lateral legs, In a front view of the fishing line guide as seen from the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face, each of the pair of lower legs has a front outer contour line tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface of the ring holding portion, In a rear view of the fishing line guide as seen from the orientation direction of the annular end face, each of the pair of lateral legs has a rear outer contour line that is curved and connected to the outer surface, having an inflection point located outside the outer surface of the ring holding portion. In the plan view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs are curved such that the intersection of a pair of virtual extension lines passing through the outward-facing long sides of the rectangular cross-section of the pair of lateral legs is located within the second mounting leg. Fishing line guide.

2. Each of the pair of lower legs includes an outward-curving surface that is curved by the curved outward-curving side of the curved cross-section, The outward-curving surface forms the outer contour line of the front surface and is continuously connected to the outer surface so as to move the fishing line to the outer surface of the ring holding portion. Each of the pair of lateral legs includes an outward-facing long side surface that includes the outward-facing long side of the rectangular cross-section, The outward-facing long side surface forms the outer contour line of the back surface and is continuously connected to the outer surface so as to move the fishing line to the outer surface of the ring holding portion. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

3. In the rear view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs are curved such that the intersection is located on a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of the ring holding portion between a position above the upper end of the outer circumferential surface and the position of the upper surface of the second mounting foot. In the side view of the fishing line guide, each of the pair of lateral legs is curved to have an upper contour line formed only by the outward-facing long side surface. The fishing line guide according to claim 2.

4. In the side view of the fishing line guide, the outer peripheral surface has a side outer contour line perpendicular to the lower end contour line of the first mounting foot, and the pair of lower legs extend from the ring holding portion such that the pair of lower legs are inclined with respect to the side outer contour line in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

5. The first mounting foot includes a pair of lower end edges formed in the longitudinal direction of the first mounting foot and a concave lower surface formed between the pair of lower end edges. Each of the pair of lower legs includes an inwardly curved surface that is bent by the bent inwardly curved edge of the curved cross-section, The inward-curving surface has a bent edge that is continuously connected to one of the pair of lower end edges. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

6. The present invention further includes a bridging portion formed integrally with the pair of lateral legs and the second mounting foot at the lower ends of the pair of lateral legs and the base end of the second mounting foot, The second mounting foot includes a pair of lower end edges formed in the longitudinal direction of the second mounting foot and a concave lower surface formed between the pair of lower end edges. The bridging portion has a pair of bent edges that form the boundary between the pair of lateral legs and the bridging portion, and are continuously connected to the pair of lower end edges. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

7. In the rear view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lateral legs are connected to the ring holding portion such that the ring holding portion is located inside a virtual semicircle. One end of the virtual semicircle is located at the upper intersection between one of the pair of lateral legs and the annular end face, and the other end of the virtual semicircle is located at the lateral intersection between a virtual horizontal line passing through the lower end of the through hole of the guide ring and the other of the pair of lateral legs. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

8. In the front view and rear view of the fishing line guide, the pair of lower legs extend from the ring holding portion such that the front outer contour line is located between the first and second virtual contour lines corresponding to the rear outer contour line. The first virtual contour line has a first horizontal separation distance between the first virtual contour line and a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of the ring holding portion, and the second virtual contour line has a second horizontal separation distance between the second virtual contour line (and the virtual vertical axis, The first horizontal separation distance corresponds to 80% of the reference horizontal separation distance between the virtual vertical axis and the rear outer contour line, and the second horizontal separation distance corresponds to 105% of the reference horizontal separation distance. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

9. Each of the pair of lateral legs has a curved strip-shaped cross-section formed in the shape of a curved strip when taken in the transverse direction near the second mounting foot, and a rectangular cross-section between the curved strip-shaped cross-section and the ring holding portion. Each of the pair of lateral legs is formed such that the cross-section of each of the pair of lateral legs gradually changes from the curved strip-shaped cross-section to the rectangular cross-section from the second mounting foot toward the annular end face of the ring holding portion. The fishing line guide according to claim 1.

10. It is a fishing line guide that is attached to the rod tube of a fishing rod. A guide ring configured for the fishing line to pass through, A ring-holding portion formed in an annular shape has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface coupled to the guide ring, and an annular end surface formed between the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface and oriented toward the tip direction of the fishing rod, A pair of lower legs extend downward from the ring holding portion so as to be close to each other, and when cut in a direction parallel to the central axis of the rod tube, they have a curved cross-section formed in the shape of a curved band, Mounting feet extending from the pair of lower legs, It includes a bridging portion formed integrally with the pair of lower legs and the mounting foot at the lower ends of the pair of lower legs and the base end of the mounting foot, In a front view of the fishing line guide viewed from the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face, each of the pair of lower legs has a front outer contour line tangent to the middle of the outer circumferential surface, Each of the pair of lower legs is curved by the curved outward-facing edge of the curved cross-section, forming the front outer contour line and including an outward-facing curved surface continuously connected to the outer surface to move the fishing line along the outer surface, In the side view of the fishing line guide, the outer peripheral surface has a side outer contour line perpendicular to the lower end contour line of the mounting foot, and the pair of lower legs extend from the ring holding portion such that the pair of lower legs are inclined with respect to the side outer contour line in the opposite direction to the orientation direction of the annular end face. Fishing line guide.

11. Rod and, A fishing line guide according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is attached to the rod tube, A fishing rod including a rod.

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