Appeal No. 97-1476 Page 9
Application No. 08/458,689
structure disclosed in the specification (pp. 2-3) for
performing the function of the "drawstring means" (claims 1
and 14) and the "drawing means" (claim 8) consists of two
plastic cable ties 10 of the type well known in the
electronics art, shown in detail in Figure 4. As shown in
Figure 1, the bottom hem 3 provides access to the cable ties
10 at two locations. In addition, the appellant discloses
that when the cable ties 10 are pulled tight around a pot 11,
they cannot be released without cutting the cable ties. Thus,
the tightened cable ties become relatively permanently secured
to the pot 11. The cord 2 of Maasbach and the string-like
member 2 of Takahisa both consist of a single member
accessible at a single location. In addition, the cord 2 of
Maasbach and the string-like member 2 of Takahisa both are
easily tightened and untightened. Accordingly, it is our view
that the cord 2 of Maasbach and the string-like member 2 of
Takahisa are not an equivalent structure to the two cable ties
10 disclosed by the appellant. Thus, even if it were obvious
to replace Hawkins' lower wire 156 engaged behind flange 154
of the ring 152 (which is permanently connected to dish 122)
with a drawstring as taught by either Maasbach or Takahisa,
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Last modified: November 3, 2007