Appeal No. 99-0257 Page 6
Application No. 08/728,909
interface with the underside of the first ramp to limit the
pivotal movement between the two ramps (column 2, line 24 et
seq.). The apertures in both sets of hinge leaves through
which the pivot pin extends are, in the language of claim 10,
“positioned directly adjacent an end,” that is, none are
positioned “between” the first and second ends, in the sense of
the appellant’s invention. It also is important to note that
the hinge leaves (54 & 56) do not extend from end to end along
the length of the ramps and, since there is no explanation to
the contrary in this reference, would appear to provide very
limited, if any, longitudinal strengthening to the ramps.
Goeser discloses a ramp (18) that slides out from under
the bed of a truck. The ramp deck (71) is provided with a
plurality of longitudinal bars (74) extending from end to end
for the purpose of adding strength to the structure. The
slidable ramp is not pivotally connected to another ramp or the
like, and there are no apertures in the strengthening bars for
receiving a pivot bar or other such connection.
The mere fact that the prior art structure could be
modified does not make such a modification obvious unless the
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007