Appeal 2006-2308
Application 10/343,154
on Hammer for the basic process of producing an adhesive closing part with
a laterally and rotationally symmetrical structure using a pressure tool and a
molding tool, where the molding tool has cavities with walls extending
along a convex path. The Examiner concedes that Hammer does not
disclose cavities having “a curvature in a form of a hyperboloid with a more
pronounced portion defined by decreased radii of curvature and by
narrowing of spaces between the boundary walls, each more pronounced
portion being closer to a head molding part of the cavity than to a base
molding part of the cavity.” (Answer 4). Accordingly, the Examiner relies
on Thomas for a teaching of the claimed hyperboloid shape. (Answer 5)
(citing embodiments shown in Fig. 6A to Fig. 9B, particularly Fig. 7A).3
According to the Examiner, Thomas “teaches that the length of the prong
may be varied according to the material the shank is designed to intercept
(9:62-10:24). Thomas also teaches the decreased radii of curvature and
narrowing of spaces between the boundary walls, each more pronounced
3 “Thomas' figures show curvatures that encompass hyperboloid shapes, and
in the alternative, the drawings and text of the Thomas patent provide clear
suggestion and teaching that the particular curvature be changed and
optimized.” (Answer 12).
5
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007