Appeal No. 96-0494
Application 07/974,209
The claimed invention relates to a magnetic tape
cassette with a rotatably mounted guard panel. A gap or stepped
portion on either the cassette or the guard panel conforms in
size and shape to a rib on the other of the cassette and guard
panel. The gap or stepped portion opposes the rib to restrict
lateral movement of the guard panel in the closed position.
The examiner concedes that Tanaka fails to disclose a
stepped portion conforming in size and shape to rib 20al but
contends that it was known in the art to utilize matching
protrusions and recesses for controlling the movement of adjacent
members. Eggebeen is cited as an example of such well known
matching protrusions 72 and recesses 74. Examiner’s Answer at 4-
5. The examiner further concedes that Tanaka’s rib restricts
lateral movement only when the panel is at an open position, not
at a closed position as claimed, but contends that it would have
been obvious to restrict the closed position in order to avoid
detachment of the guard panel. Examiner’s Answer at 3-4.
Appellant argues that there is no suggestion to combine
the references in the manner proposed by the examiner. Appeal
Brief at 6.
We agree with appellant.
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