Appeal No. 96-4149
Application 08/276,436
structure." Independent apparatus claim 4 is directed to an
apparatus to restrain movement of an object associated with a
structure which is subjected to severe physical shock. The
apparatus includes a first bracket fastened to the structure
"in such manner that the structure may move a controlled
amount with relation to the position of the bracket in a
limited, and repeated manner." Independent claims 6 and 7
contain similar limitations. In appellant’s specification
(e.g., paragraph spanning pages 7 and 8), we are informed that
movement of the bracket relative to its
supporting structure is accomplished by holes 23 in the
bracket that are oversized relative to the shanks of the lag
bolts 24 to allow for sufficient movement for dampening, or
shock absorbing movement. It is clear to us, however, that
clearance between the bracket holes and the lag bolts is but
one of several factors that would have an effect on the sort
of controlled movement called for in the claims. Of paramount
importance, in our view, is the amount of friction between the
bracket and the supporting structure at their interface, which
4
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