Appeal No. 1999-1535 Page 7
Application No. 08/752,220
a non-metallic, low coefficient of friction material
which autogenously provides a lubricious bearing surface
requiring no separate lubricating material.4
The examiner ascertained (answer, p. 4) that Horning
discloses all the subject matter of the independent claims on
appeal (i.e., claims 19, 25 and 31) except for the above-noted
limitation. The examiner then determined (answer, pp. 4-5)
that
[i]t would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art at the time of the instant invention to have
formed the bushings and other bearing surfaces (such as
hinges and joints) of the collection vehicle of Horning
et al. from a non-metallic, self lubricating and low
coefficient of friction material because Ellingsen
teaches the use of self lubricating bearings in the
industrial vehicle environment and Statz teaches forming
a self lubricating bearing from a non-metallic
microporous polymer material.
The appellants argue (brief, pp. 10-12, reply brief, pp.
2-5) that the applied prior art does not suggest the claimed
subject matter. We agree.
4See claim 19, paragraph (d); claim 25, paragraph (e);
and claim 31, paragraph (f).
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