Appeal 2006-0886
Application 10/151,093
INTRODUCTION
The claims are directed to a breaker and a pneumatic tire including the
breaker. According to the Specification, a breaker layer or a belt layer is
formed by covering a cord such as steel cord with a rubber composition
(Specification 7:11-12). This breaker layer or belt layer is then laminated
with other tire materials and vulcanized to form the pneumatic tire
(Specification 7:13-15). The Specification focuses on the rubber
composition of the breaker. According to the Specification, in conventional
rubber compounds, large amounts of sulfur were added to increase the
adhesion of the rubber to the steel cord and to improve heat build-up
characteristics (Specification 2:12-14). Appellants reduce the amount of
sulfur to enhance other properties while adding resorcinol resin and a
methylene donor to maintain the required adhesive properties (Specification
2:19-24).
Claim 1 is illustrative of the subject matter on appeal:
1. A breaker comprising a rubber composition comprising 55 to 65
parts by weight of carbon black, 5 to 13 parts by weight of silica, 3.5 to 4.5
parts by weight of sulfur, at least 0.08 part by weight of cobalt, a resorcinol
resin and a methylene donor based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber
component containing a natural rubber and/or an isoprene rubber as a main
component.
The Examiner maintains a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). As
evidence of obviousness, the Examiner relies upon the following prior art:
Lickes US 6,533,008 B1 Mar. 18, 2003
Nguyen US 6,814,120 B1 Nov. 9, 2004
Specifically, the Examiner rejects claims 1-17 under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103(a) as unpatentable over Lickes alone or in view of Nguyen.
2
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