Appeal No. 97-1475
Application 08/069,544
the ends of the shackle with a latching device that can
be released by a key or by a combination. The shackle
and the catch of the latch are made of a shape memory
alloy such as Nitinol. Another embodiment includes a
cover that can be placed over the ignition lock of a
vehicle and secured in place when the vehicle is left
unattended. The cover is hardened steel and the lock
which secures it in place includes a shackle and a
catch made of a shape memory alloy, preferably Nitinol,
that is impossible to break or cut with ordinary tools.
On pages 4 through 6 of the specification, it is emphasized
why the shackle (30) and the catch or locking pin (46) of the
lock are to be made of Nitinol, for example, "Type 55 Nitinol."
These pages of the specification also discuss advantageous
properties or characteristics of Nitinol that make the lock
components made of such material "uniquely resistant to attack by
thieves and other persons intent on cutting or breaking the lock"
(specification, page 5).
Claims 11, 18, 21 and 25 are representative of the subject
matter on appeal and a copy of those claims may be found in the
Appendix to the reply brief (Paper No. 27, filed September 9,
1996).
The prior art references of record relied upon by the
examiner are:
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