Appeal No. 98-0111
Application No. 08/290,213
position that Davis discloses all of the subject matter
claimed except for the overlapping feature, which would have
been an obvious modification in view of the teachings of
Taylor. The appellant argues that the Taylor device is formed
of flexible material and that Taylor does not indicate that
separate container portions should overlap, and concludes for
several reasons that this would be a step backward for the
Davis liner (Brief, pages 10 and 11). We do not agree.
Davis discloses a one-piece foldable liner for a pickup
truck bed. Among the objectives of the Davis invention are
conforming the liner to the shape of the pickup truck bed,
making it inexpensive and disposable, foldable into a compact
size and shape for handling and storage, able to resist
moisture, and capable of cushioning the objects being carried.
We agree with the examiner that one of ordinary skill in the
art would have found it obvious to modify the Davis liner by
making it in several overlapping pieces so that it would fit
different size pickup truck beds, in view of the explicit
teaching of Taylor (column 3, lines 52-57). To do so would
not compromise any of Davis’ objectives. We further note that
the preferred material from which Davis manufactures the liner
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