Ex parte HUTCHINS et al. - Page 4




          Appeal No. 97-3183                                                          
          Application 29/046,917                                                      


          In Walen, however, the sloping sides which define the cut-out do            
          not intersect the curved outer periphery of the hub at all.                 
          Instead, Walen’s sloping sides intersect a horizontal surface of            
          significant extent that in turn intersects with the curved outer            
          periphery of the hub, thus giving the end of the hub of Walen a             
          significantly truncated appearance vis-à-vis the end of the hub             
          in the claimed design.  In our view, the large V-shaped cut-out             
          in the end of the hub of the claimed design, wherein the sloping            
          sides that define the ?V? intersect with the curved outer                   
          periphery of the hub in such a manner so as to form a sharp edge,           
          creates a distinctive overall appearance that is not suggested by           
          the relied on prior art.                                                    
               The decision of the examiner is reversed.                              


                                      REVERSED                                        




                                                       )                              
                         IRWIN CHARLES COHEN           )                              
                         Administrative Patent Judge   )                              
                                                       )                              
                                                       )                              
                                                       ) BOARD OF PATENT              
                         JAMES M. MEISTER              )                              
                         Administrative Patent Judge   )   APPEALS AND                

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