WO2005096812A1

WO2005096812A1 - Fish hook removal device

Info

Publication number: WO2005096812A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry Charles Padgett
Original assignee: Hook-Out Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-04-08
Filing date: 2005-04-08
Publication date: 2005-10-20

Abstract

A fish hook (26) removal device (10) has a 'Figure 8' configuration consisting of a hook-engaging loop (12) and a handle portion (14) which is also in the form of a loop. The handle portion (14) enables the device (10) to be manually gripped and actuated. The loops (12, 14) are formed from a length of nylon line (16). A movable sleeve (18) is fitted over two thicknesses of the line (16) to form the hook-engaging loop (12). A crimp (24) is crimped over the ends of the line (16) and a fixed second sleeve (22) is located over the crimp (24). The loop (12) is located around the curved portion (32) of an embedded hook (26), and the sleeve (18) is pushed along the loop (12) until adjacent the outside of the curved portion (32). The handle (14) is manually gripped and pulled sharply to remove the hook (26).

Description

FISH HOOK REMOVAL DEVICE

This invention relates to a device for the removal of fish hooks, and in particular relates to a device for removing barbed fish hooks which have become embedded in a body part of a person.

Recreational fishing is an extremely popular pastime in Australia. According to "The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey", edited by G.W. Henry and J.M. Lyle, which was published in July 2003, an estimated 3.36 million Australian residents, 5 years of age or older, fished at least once in the twelve months prior to May 2000. Recreational fishing is also popular in other countries: Dr Kevin Wakeman, in an article entitled "Management of Fishhook Injuries", available on-line at www.kevinwakeman.com, states that in several States of the United States of America, "...fishing is the number one outdoor sport..." Some commercial fishing also involves the use of fish hooks.

Fish hook injuries are common in recreational and commercial fishing. While serious injuries are uncommon, penetrating tissue trauma involving fish hooks frequently occurs, most frequently to the hand, face, head or upper extremity of the body. Because fish hooks are barbed, they cannot easily be removed. There does not appear to have been suggested any device for removing barbed fish hooks from human tissue. The patent literature contains a number of prior art documents which describe devices for removing fish hooks from fish, but not from human bodies, where the matters to be considered in the removal process are quite different. Such documents include US-A-3, 132,438, US-A-6,705,042 and US D443,334.

Notwithstanding the absence in the patent literature of devices for removing fish hooks from human tissue, there do exist many techniques for removing such embedded fish hooks. One method, described in Australian Rural Doctor, February 2004, suggest the use of a 19 gauge needle to effect disengagement of a fish hook from human tissue. However, the most common, and most effective, procedure has been in use for over forty years. In The Medical Journal of Australia of 3 June 1961 , Theo Cooke, M.B., B.S., describes a fish hook removal method "...used by many of the fishermen in this district (near Port Vincent, on St. Vincent's Gulf... [in South Australia]..." This method involves placing a loop of string, fishing line, cloth or the like around the curved portion of the hook, pressing down the eye and/or shank of the hook, and pulling the loop of material with one quick motion. This technique is said to be virtually painless, particularly if it is used very soon after the hook has been embedded. However, such a method should not be used in respect of any fish hook injury which may involve deeper structures such as bone, tendons, vessels or nerves.

This "string-yank" or "stream" technique for fish hook removal has been more recently described by Matthew Gammons, M.D. and Edward Jackson, M.D. in an article entitled "Fishhook Removal", which appeared in the American Family Physician of 1 June 2001 , in the article by Kevin Wakeman (supra), and in an article entitled "Fish Hook Removal", which appears on the web site www.surviveoutdoors.com.

As its name suggests, the "string-yank" method utilises a "yank", a "firm, quick jerk", a "hard, sharp, decisive jerk" or a "pull with one quick motion" on the string, umbilical tape, silk suture, fishing line or the like to extract the hook from tissue. As Gammons and Jackson (supra) comment: "The fishhook may come out with significant velocity so the physician and bystanders should remain out of the line of flight." Elsewhere it is recommended that eye protection be used when fish hook removal is undertaken. That is all very well when extraction occurs in the surgery, in relation to which location much of the literature refers, but on a boat, by a river, lake or the sea, it is unlikely that eye protection would be available, as it is also unlikely that anything other than fishing line would be available for use in the "string yank" technique. It follows that the exercise of that fish hook method "in the field" could be quite dangerous.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for use in fish hook removal, particularly the "string yank" removal technique.

The invention provides a device for carrying out a technique for removing a fish hook from tissue, characterised by fish hook engaging means, by actuating means adapted to enable said device to be pulled in a desired direction, and by securing means adapted to co-operate with said fish hook engaging means to removably secure said fish hook engaging means to said fish hook during the performance of said technique.

The invention may also provide a method of removing a fish hook from tissue, using a fish hook removal device according to the preceding paragraph, characterised by the steps of:

engaging said fish hook engaging means with an embedded fish hook;

locating said securing means adjacent said fish hook;

manually gripping said actuating means; and

pulling said actuating means in said direction.

An embodiment of the invention will be described in detail hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of a fish hook removal device according to the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing how the device of Fig. 1 may be used to remove a fish hook from tissue.

The fish hook removal device 10 of Fig. 1 has a "Figure 8" configuration, although it is to be understood that such a configuration is merely a preferment. The device 10 has a hook-engaging loop 12 and a handle portion 14 which is also in the form of a loop. It is to be understood that the handle portion 14 may take any form which enables the device to be manually gripped and actuated.

The device 10 of Fig. 1 is primarily constituted by a single length of material 16, which may be any suitable material, including those discussed in the introduction to this specification, which enables the loop 12 to be formed. As a preferment, the material 16 of the Fig. 1 embodiment is nylon fishing line approximately 1mm in thickness, which has a strength of 528N (120lb/f). It has been found that this material is suitable for the fish hook removal device, in particular because of its slight elasticity. An analogy could be seen to be the patented "snatch strap" used to release bogged vehicles. The material of such a snatch strap is elastic in such a way that it initially takes the strain, and then applies greater force in a "snatch' or "yank", which has the effect of dislodging the bogged vehicle. The device 10 of the present invention operates in a similar manner.

As a preferment, the length of nylon line 16 used as the core of the device 10 is not continuous, although there is no reason why the assembly of the device 10, to be described hereinafter, could not involve the welding together or the like of the two free ends of the line 16.

To assemble the device, a movable sleeve 18 is fitted over two thicknesses of line 16 to form loop 12. At the other end, the handle 14 is preferably fitted with a cover 20 which is slid over the portion of line 16 which is to form the handle 14. A second, generally fixed (in use) sleeve 22 is then located in the same general area as movable sleeve 18. Finally, a crimp 24, which is preferably formed from a metal such as copper, is crimped over the overlapping ends of the line 16, which secures the ends to the continuous portion of the line 16. Fixed sleeve 22 is then located over the crimp 24, for safety and aesthetic reasons, and also covers the ends of cover 20.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the cover 20 is formed from woven polypropylene Venetian blind cord material, with its core removed. The only reason for having a cover 20, and it has already been stated that the cover 20 is not essential, is to prevent or ameliorate the line 16 cutting into the flesh of the person operating the removal device 10. The polypropylene Venetian blind cord material is particularly suitable for use in the fish hook removal device 10, because it is hydrophobic, that is, it does not absorb water, a feature which is most useful considering the field locations where fish hook removal is likely to take place. The movable sleeve 18, which, like fixed sleeve 24 may be slid on to the line 16 after the crimp 24 is located in place, is preferably dimensioned internally so that although it is able to be moved, for example manually, along the doubled line 16, it frictionally engages with the doubled line such that it tends not to otherwise move along the line. Preferably, the sleeve 18 is formed form a material such as rubber, and preferably it has a length which enables a person to grip it to move it along the line 16. The fixed sleeve 22 may be formed from rubber, plastics material or any other suitable material.

The manner in which the fish hook removal device 10 is intended to be used is shown in Fig. 2. A fish hook 26, having an eye 28, a shank 30, a curved portion and a barbed end 32, is shown embedded in a person's finger 34, only the tip of which is shown in fig. 2. A finger 34 is shown by example only: it could be any part of a person's body, as described hereinbefore.

Sub-figure A of Fig. 2 shows the hook 26 as it is embedded in the finger 34, prior to any action to remove the hook 26. Also shown is the fish hook removal device 10, with the hook-engaging loop 12 about to be passed over the hook 26. At this stage, any line attached to the hook 26 has been removed. In the case of a multiple fish hook, such as a treble fish hook, it is sensible to cover the hook or hooks not embedded in the skin with tape or the like, as a safety precaution.

Once the loop 12 is located around the hook 26, and in particular around the curved portion 32, movable sleeve 18 is pushed along doubled line 12 until it contacts, or comes close to, the outside of curved portion 32. In this situation, which is depicted in part-figure B of Fig. 2, the device 10 is removably secured to fish hook 26. The handle loop 14 is then gripped by the hand of a person, by passing through one or more fingers and gripping the loop as one would grip the handle of a supermarket plastic bag. The fish hook removal device 10 is then ready to perform the "string yank" removal technique, one part being the "yank" on the handle loop 14, and the other part being to push down on the eye 28 and/or shank 30, as shown by the arrow P in sub-figure B. Sub-figure C of Fig. 2 is similar to sub-figure B, except it discloses a second arrow Y on the right-hand side of the sub-figure. That arrow indicates the direction in which the device 10 is pulled, with the use of the handle loop 14, with what may be described as a "decisive yank". At the same time the shank 30 and/or the eye 28 is being pushed down in the direction of arrow P in sub-figures B and C of Fig. 2. The fish hook 26 will then exit from the finger or other tissue in which it has been embedded. As it is connected to the fish hook removal device 10, the fish hook 26 cannot fly up and away in an uncontrolled fashion, it being only able to move to a position at the end of device 10 remote from handle loop 14, which may in a preferred form of the invention be about 35cm. A device 10 of that approximate size will cater for the removal of large lures.

It can be seen that the fish hook removal device 10 of Figs. 1 and 2 is entirely suitable to effect the "string yank" fish hook removal system described earlier in this specification. After removal, the movable sleeve 18 may be slid back, and the hook 26 released from loop 12, for re-use or disposal.

The invention also relates to a kit for fish hook removal, which may easily be carried by a fisher. Preferably, said kit is carried in a clearly marked container, which may be a box formed from a plastics material, similar to a tackle box. For example the box (not shown) may be a clear plastics box of preferred dimensions 10cm x 6.5cm x 2.5cm.

The kit preferably contains, in a box as described, a fish hook removal device, which may be a device in accordance with Figs. 1 and 2 of this specification. The kit may also contain at least one item from the following groups: an instruction leaflet, an adhesive bandage or sterile strip such as those marketed under the brands Elastoplast (Registered Trade Mark) or Band-Aid (Registered Trade Mark), for applying to the would after removal of the fish hook, a skin cleansing swab, for application prior to the removal, a set of hook-and-loop fasteners for removable attaching the box to part of a boat or the like, and a suture cutter for cutting the line attached to the hook. One could also include some local anaesthetic, but as the string-yank technique is virtually painless, especially if it is carried out shortly after the hook has become embedded, it is really not necessary. In addition, the time taken for the local anaesthetic to work, mitigates against quick hook removal, and may also mask damage to more important bodily structures.

The instruction leaflet may contain wording generally as follows, to be read, preferably, in conjunction with a diagram generally in accordance with Fig. 2, which may also be provided with or as part of the leaflet:

"WARNING Before using Hook-Out, READ this CARD.

Hook-Out uses an effective and well recognized technique to remove hooks SUPERFICIALLY embedded in the skin and flesh. (The method or technique has been described as the "String-yank" or " Stream" technique.)

Used correctly and appropriately, Hook-Out makes the method safer for the operator, patient and bystanders.

It should NOT be used where injury may involve deeper structures such as tendons, nerves, blood vessels or bone. If in doubt, it is ESSENTIAL to seek medical advice. Protective glasses should be worn & we recommend gloves. Bystanders should be kept at a distance.

Each unit is to be used just once only.

Store out of bright sunlight.

Ref. 1. Medical Journal Australia 3/6/61 pp 815-6 2. American Family Physician 1/6/01 3. General Practice (textbook) Murtagh 1994

HOW TO USE "HOOK-OUT" 1. Cut fishing line [not shown in Fig. 2] from hook [26].

2. Place loop [12] around hook [26] and close to skin: sub-figure A of Fig. 2.

3. Push rubber sleeve [18] to the end of the loop [12], so it fits firmly against the hook [26]: sub-figure B of Fig. 2. 4. Take firm hold on yellow handle [14] with one hand.

5. Depress shank [30] of hook [26] with finger of other hand, in the direction of arrow P (sub-figures B and C of Fig. 2) to disengage the barb.

6. Confidently give a swift, firm and decisive tug on the handle [14], in the opposite direction to the direction of the entry of the hook [26] into the skin, that is, in the direction of arrow Y in sub-figure C of Fig. 2.

Note - because of the speed of exit of the hook, be sure the pull direction is also away from the patient, any bystanders and yourself.

7. Post removal, apply antiseptic (provided) to the wound. See a doctor to check on damage from the injury and the need for further treatment.

REMOVING MULTIPLE HOOKS AND LURES

Thoroughly tape any hooks attached to embedded hook, so that they are no longer a danger. Remove lure where possible. If necessary, the loop [12] may be passed over lure. Then, conduct removal as described above. When two hooks of a treble are embedded, place loop [12] over both hooks."

It can be seen that the present invention provides a novel fish hook removal device and a kit for containing such a device, for the easy operation of the string- yank fish hook removal system. Although it is recommended that the fish hook removal device of this invention be only used once, that is primarily due to the fact that the force used to perform the "string yank" technique may be is great that it damages the device. In that case, the device should be discarded. Replacement fish hook removal devices may be available, in particular for use in existing kits. Where the device is not damaged as a result of use, it may be reused. It is to be understood that a reference throughout the description and claims of this application to a "fish hook" is intended to be a reference to any type of hook used in fishing or any other activity, and to any other item which is generally similar to a hook used in fishing, and which may become embedded in the flesh or tissue of a living creature, in particular a human being.

The entire contents of the specification and drawings of Australian provisional patent application no. 2004901870, filed on 8 April 2004, form part of the disclosure of this application.

The claims form part of the disclosure of this application.

Claims

1. A device for carrying out a technique for removing a fish hook from tissue, characterised by fish hook engaging means, by actuating means adapted to enable said device to be pulled in a desired direction, and by securing means adapted to co-operate with said fish hook engaging means to removably secure said fish hook engaging means to said fish hook during the performance of said technique.

2. A device according to claim 1 , characterised in that said fish hook engaging means is a first loop of material.

3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that said securing means is a movable sleeve adapted to move along said first loop, to increase or decrease the size of said first loop.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that said actuating means is a handle for manual gripping.

5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that said handle is a second loop of material.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that said device is formed from a single length of material, formed into a "Figure 8" shape, said first loop and said second loop constituting said shape.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterised in that said material is nylon fishing line.

8. A device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that the overlapping ends of said length of material are crimped by crimping means to form said "Figure 8" shape.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that said second loop has a cover thereon.

10. A device according to claim 9, characterised in that the ends of said cover and said crimping means are covered by a fixed sleeve.

11. A device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that said movable sleeve is formed from a material such as rubber or the like.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that when said fish hook includes a shank with a curved portion at one end, said curved portion having a barb at the outer end of said shank, said desired direction is generally parallel to said shank.

13. A fish hook removal kit characterised by a fish hook removal device according to any preceding claim, and at least one item from the following list: an instruction leaflet, an adhesive bandage or sterile strip for applying to the wound after removal of the fish hook, a skin cleansing swab, for application prior to the removal, a set of hook-and-loop fasteners for removably attaching the box to part of a boat or the like, a suture cutter for cutting the line attached to the hook, and a local anaesthetic.

14. A fish hook removal kit according to claim 13, characterised in that the contents of said kit are in a container such as a box.

15. A fish hook removal kit according to claim 14, characterised in that said box is formed from a plastics material.

16. A fish hook removal kit according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterised in that said box is formed from a material which is water-resistant or waterproof.

17. A method of removing a fish hook from tissue, using a fish hook removal device according to any preceding claim, characterised by the steps of: engaging said fish hook engaging means with an embedded fish hook; locating said securing means adjacent said fish hook;

i manually gripping said actuating means; and pulling said actuating means in said direction.

18. A method according to claim 16, characterised in that said actuating means is pulled sharply.