Appeal 2007-2292
Application 10/038,796
forms of prior art fasteners for such items include hook and loop fastening
systems wherein the loop is typically not stretchable (Specification 1).
Appellants point out that such prior art hook and loop fasteners tend to
disengage when the wearer of such a secured garment is active
(Specification 2). Appellants allege overcoming such disengaging problems
by employing a hook and loop fastening system wherein the loop material is
stretchable and such that the loop is contracted on the hook in using the
fastener (id.). Claim 25 is illustrative and reproduced below:
25. A method for securing engagement between fastening components
of an article used for personal wear, the fastening components comprising a
hook component and a loop component, the loop component comprising a
stretchable loop material secured to a stretchable substrate, the hook
component being capable of fastening engagement with the loop material of
the loop component, the method comprising the steps of:
arranging the fastening components in at least partially opposed
relationship with each other;
engaging the fastening components with each other to define an
engagement seam whereby the hook component fastenably engages the loop
material of the loop component; and
contracting said loop component relative to said hook component at
said engagement seam following engagement of the fastening components to
thereby urge sliding movement of one fastening component relative to the
other fastening component at the engagement seam to promote increased
engagement between the fastening components at the engagement seam, said
contracting including contracting of said stretchable loop material and
contracting of said stretchable substrate.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references as evidence
in rejecting the appealed claims:
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