US5964698A — Sliding hook assembly for use with a surgical ret…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 74 words

A sliding hook assembly for use with a surgical stay elastic member comprising: (a) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (b) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (c) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving an elastic member; and (d) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 74 words

A sliding hook assembly for use with a surgical stay elastic member comprising: (a) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (b) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (c) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving an elastic member; and (d) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 26 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle body is a molded member that closely conforms to the distal portion of the hook member.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 28 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein a majority of the distal portion of the hook member is encapsulated by the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 25 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the hook member has an exposed curved portion extending from the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 30 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least one bend embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 34 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least two spaced apart bends that are embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the exposed portion of the hook member extends through a bend of about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 29 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle body contains an embedded distal portion of the hook member that is much longer than the exposed hook portion.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the embedded distal portion of the hook member is an elongated member that is folded including multiple bends.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 23 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the notch is tapered to a width less than the width of the elastic member.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal and distal end portions of the handle body are approximately perpendicular to one another.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 16 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises a polymeric plastic material.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

The sliding hook assembly of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene oxide, polycarbonates and nylons.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 97 words

A sliding hook assembly system comprising: (a) a surgical retractor stay apparatus having an elastic member having a width and a stay hook member received by the elastic member; and (b) a sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 97 words

A sliding hook assembly system comprising: (a) a surgical retractor stay apparatus having an elastic member having a width and a stay hook member received by the elastic member; and (b) a sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14 wherein the surgical retractor stay apparatus further comprises a restriction band encapsulating the distal end of the elastic member.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the handle body is a molded member that closely conforms to the distal portion of the hook member.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 29 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein a majority of the distal portion of the hook member is encapsulated by the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the hook member has an exposed curved portion extending from the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 31 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least one bend embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 35 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least two spaced apart bends that are embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 28 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the exposed portion of the hook member extends through a bend of about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the embedded distal portion of the hook member is an elongated member that is folded including multiple bends.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the notch is tapered to a width less than the width of the elastic member.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14, wherein the proximal and distal end portions of the handle are approximately perpendicular to one another.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 29 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 14 wherein a portion of the stay hook member extends through a bend of from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 28 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 25 wherein said curved portion of the stay hook member has a bifurcated portion including two arms each having a point.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 25 wherein the stay hook member comprises a paddle having a plurality of prongs.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 107 words

A sliding hook assembly system comprising: (a) a frame that conforms to a patient's body at a surgical site; (b) a surgical retractor stay apparatus having an elastic member and a stay hook member received by the elastic member; and (c) a sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving an elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 107 words

A sliding hook assembly system comprising: (a) a frame that conforms to a patient's body at a surgical site; (b) a surgical retractor stay apparatus having an elastic member and a stay hook member received by the elastic member; and (c) a sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving an elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28 wherein the surgical retractor stay apparatus further comprises a restriction band encapsulating the distal end of the elastic member.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the handle body is a molded member that closely conforms to the distal portion of the hook member.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 29 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein a majority of the distal portion of the hook member is encapsulated by the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 26 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the hook member has an exposed curved portion extending from the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 31 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least one bend embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 35 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least two spaced apart bends that are embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 28 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the exposed portion of the hook member extends through a bend of about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the embedded distal portion of the hook member is an elongated member that is folded including multiple bends.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the notch is tapered to a width less than the width of the elastic member.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the proximal and distal end portions of the handle are approximately perpendicular to one another.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 29 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein a portion of the stay hook member extends through a bend of from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 44 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28, wherein the stay hook member has an exposed bifurcated portion including two arms each having a point and wherein the two arms each extend through a bend of from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 37 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 28 wherein the hook member comprises a paddle having a plurality of prongs and the prongs each extending through a bend of from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 151 words

A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a sliding hook assembly to a restraint, the sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member; (b) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elongated elastic member and a tissue holding member by securing the elastic member in the notch of the sliding hook assembly and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member; and (c) removing the sliding hook assembly and stay after completing the surgical procedure.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 151 words

A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of: (a) securing a sliding hook assembly to a restraint, the sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member; (b) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elongated elastic member and a tissue holding member by securing the elastic member in the notch of the sliding hook assembly and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member; and (c) removing the sliding hook assembly and stay after completing the surgical procedure.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 42, wherein the handle body is a molded member that closely conforms to the distal portion of the hook member.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 35 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 42, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least two spaced apart bends that are embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 42, wherein the embedded distal portion of the hook member is an elongated member that is folded including multiple bends.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 42, wherein the notch is tapered to a width less than the width of the elastic member.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 42, wherein the proximal and distal end portions of the handle are approximately perpendicular to one another.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 164 words

A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of: (a) fitting a frame to a patient's body at a surgical site; (b) securing a sliding hook assembly to the frame, the sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member; (c) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elongated elastic member and a tissue holding member by securing the elastic member in the notch of the sliding hook assembly and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member; and (d) removing the sliding hook assembly, frame and stay after completing the surgical procedure.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 164 words

A method of retracting tissue at an incision during surgery upon a portion of a patient's body at a surgical site, comprising the steps of: (a) fitting a frame to a patient's body at a surgical site; (b) securing a sliding hook assembly to the frame, the sliding hook assembly comprising: (1) a handle body having proximal and distal end portions; (2) a hook member having proximal and distal end portions, a portion of the hook member being encapsulated by the handle body; (3) an opening in the proximal end of the handle body for receiving the elastic member; and (4) the opening communicating with a notch for securing the elastic member; (c) attaching a surgical retractor stay having an elongated elastic member and a tissue holding member by securing the elastic member in the notch of the sliding hook assembly and engaging tissue with the tissue holding member; and (d) removing the sliding hook assembly, frame and stay after completing the surgical procedure.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 48, wherein the handle body is a molded member that closely conforms to the distal portion of the hook member.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 35 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 48, wherein the hook member includes a wirelike portion that has at least two spaced apart bends that are embedded within the distal portion of the handle body.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 27 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 48, wherein the embedded distal portion of the hook member is an elongated member that is folded including multiple bends.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 48, wherein the notch is tapered to a width less than the width of the elastic member.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 24 words

The sliding hook assembly system of claim 48, wherein the proximal and distal end portions of the handle are approximately perpendicular to one another.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-10-11	2003-04-12	2003-10-12	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-10-11	2007-04-12	2007-10-12	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-10-11	2011-04-12	2011-10-12	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Sliding hook assembly for use with a surgical retractor stay apparatus and methods for use

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