Appeal No. 98-0808
Application No. 08/566,689
suggestion Baldwin's holder or clip is used to connect
together a pair of shoulder straps of a single item of
lingerie, which straps extend over different shoulders of a
user as the examiner apparently believes. Baldwin has
previously made reference in lines 15 and 16 to "the straps of
any or all undergarments" (emphasis ours). Thus, Baldwin's
reference to shoulder "straps" being engaged between the ends
of the clip may simply be (1) to the fact that, in the broad
sense, either of the customary two shoulder "straps" on a
single undergarment may be engaged in the clip or (2) to the
straps of a plurality of undergarments, each having a strap
which passes over the same shoulder, engaging the clip.
Contrary to the examiner's position, Baldwin expressly
states that the holder or clip is "adapted to be stitched or
otherwise secured to the underside of the gown, dress or
blouse at the shoulder" (lines 13-15; emphasis ours) and makes
no mention of the holder or clip being secured to the gown,
dress or blouse at any other location, or being used in other
manner. Obviously, when a holder or clip is secured "at the
shoulder" (i.e., one clip at each shoulder) as stated by
Baldwin, it cannot be used to connect together a pair of
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