Appeal No. 1999-0652 Page 6
Application No. 08/699,262
We do, however, agree with the appellant that Bross
discloses neither an aperture in the tube (tubular barrel 1)
proximate the distal end of the tube (the end opposite the
open end from which the writing cartridges may be extended)
nor a clip in the form of "a generally L-shaped tension tool"
having a shorter leg "constructed and configured to extend
through" such an aperture. Rather, the Bross clip is
illustrated, in the Figure 1 embodiment, as comprising a ring
sandwiched between the distal end face of the tubular barrel
(1) and the flange of a threaded connector (3) and, in the
Figure 4 embodiment, as comprising a ring disposed in an
annular groove or recess in a tubular collar (130). Thus,
even if Bross would have suggested providing a tension clip on
the Di Stefano barrel, the combined teachings of Di Stefano
and Bross lack a suggestion to provide an aperture in the
barrel proximate the distal end thereof for passage of the
shorter leg of the clip and to configure the tension clip as
"a generally L-shaped tension tool."3
A "tension tool" as described in the appellant's specification is a3
tool having a shorter leg which is inserted into the lock plug to apply
tension to the plug, presumably by using the longer leg as a lever arm. A
clip, such as that taught by Bross, having a ring attached to the shorter leg
(continued...)
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007