Biodegradable float
OwnerJack HERRMANNinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A biodegradable fishing bobber or float including a body formed from an engineered biodegradable polymer composition, such as a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer or blend thereof, optionally containing 5-30% mineral filler, and optionally incorporating an internal multi-chamber ribbed structure that maintains buoyancy during use yet sinks upon shell breach to enable rapid marine biodegradation. The engineered geometry and composition provide casting performance and bite sensitivity equivalent to or better than conventional plastic bobbers while eliminating long-term plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Claims24
A biodegradable float for fishing, the float comprising an outer shell and at least one hollow interior chamber within the outer shell, the float comprising a biodegradable polymer composition selected from polyhydroxyalkanoate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof.
A biodegradable float for fishing, the float comprising:
- a water-tight outer shell bounding a generally hollow interior, and having a maximum wall thickness of less than approximately 6 mm;
- at least one interior wall dividing the generally hollow interior of the outer shell into a plurality of interior chambers, whereby the float maintains buoyancy in water in the event of the outer shell being damaged and at least one of the plurality of interior chambers being compromised and filled with water;
- and
- wherein the outer shell and the at least one interior wall comprise a biodegradable polymer composition comprising at least 70% polyhydroxyalkanoate.
A method of manufacturing a biodegradable float for fishing, the method comprising forming a water-tight outer shell bounding a generally hollow interior, the outer shell being formed of a biodegradable polymer composition selected from polyhydroxyalkanoate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof;
- wherein the forming step comprises additive manufacturing, 3D printing, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, and/or combinations thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.