The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 21, 1996
Jack Rodgers, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Michael G Petit, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A fishhook is described which disintegrates upon standing for prolonged periods of time in an aqueous environment such as within biological tissue. In one embodiment, the fishhook comprises a biodegradable polymeric hook-shaped structure with at least one metal tip affixed thereto providing a sharp piercing element. Upon exposure to the chemical environment of the fish's tissue the polymer biodegrades. In another embodiment, a substantially insoluble or non-biodegradable body portion of the hook has a separable point and barb portion affixed to the insoluble portion by means of a biodegradable adhesive. When the fishhook penetrates the fish's tissue, the solvents and/or enzymes present in the tissue environment causes the adhesive to release the barb and/or the point of the fishhook and the fish may shed the disintegrated fragments. In yet another embodiment, the entire fishhook is fabricated from a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide or polyglycolide or a copolymer thereof.