Appeal No. 97-3196
Application No. 08/569,275
reason, for the trailer hitch structure which it is to receive
is of essentially circular cross-section, and fits closely
therein. Thus, it is our view that one of ordinary skill in
the art would not have been motivated to substitute a
rectangular cage for the cylindrical structure disclosed by
Bratzler. Second, whereas the claim specifies that there be a
hasp holed flange “and” an insert hole on “a” face of the
rectangular cage, in the Bratzler arrangement the
corresponding hasp holed flange 25 is located on the opposite
side of the “cage” from the insert hole 24 that receives the
tongue. Thus, even if it were considered, arguendo, to have
been obvious to substitute a rectangular cage for the
cylindrical one disclosed by Bratzler, the reference teaches
locating the two components named above on opposite faces.
Finally, the examiner has presented no evidence that would
support a conclusion that one of ordinary skill in the art of
securing air hose couplings would have been motivated to
utilize a trailer hitch lock for that purpose.
For the foregoing reasons, it is our view that the
teachings of Bratzler and Renne fail to establish a prima
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