Appeal No. 2002-1320
Application 09/027,776
section coupling the axial end sections. The ring torus is constructed to maintain the
bowl-shaped cross section during an emergency roll and the support elements are
arranged to resiliently support both axial and end sections.
The Examiner asserts, Answer, page 4, “[t]he reference [Hockman] shows a
tire with the claimed shape which can be inserted into a pneumatic tire and is capable
of supporting that tire during an emergency roll. It is constructed so as to maintain
the shape in use and has support elements coupled to the rim 1. (Figure 1).”
We do not agree with the Examiner’s description of the Hockman invention.
Hockman describes a two component wheel rim. Specifically, Hockman describes a
wheel rim composed of channeled sections 1 and 2, arranged in apposition. The
longitudinal side edges of the inner section 1 are bent outwardly at an oblique angle to
form stop flanges 3. The longitudinal side edges of the outer section 2 are bent
upwardly and laterally to form hooks or locking flanges 4. The hooks project over
upon the inner sides of the sides of the section 1 and form a locking engagement.
This structure holds the two sections 1 and 2 united. (Col. 1, ll. 29 to 42).
The Examiner appears to be relying only on section 2 of the wheel rim.
Section 2 includes a locking flange 4 that is not part of the claimed invention. The
wheel rim of Hockman is constructed such that sections 1 and 2 hook to one another
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