Appeal No. 1996-1561 Page 6
Application No. 08/230,075
Baird discloses a coupling member for attaching together
two pieces of flexible hose. The coupling member is provided
with external threads having a tooth crest outer diameter that
is greater than the inner diameter of the bore of the hose.
The coupling is installed by screwing it into the end of the
hose, which distends the hose and causes the hose to “snugly
embrace” the coupling member (page 1, line 96).
It is our view that one of ordinary skill in the art would
have found it obvious to modify the Preston regulator by
substituting screw threads for the annular protrusion on the
outer periphery of the restriction member, in view of the
teaching of Baird. Suggestion for such is found in the self
evident advantages of easy installation and effective
attachment that are achieved by using screw threads, which
would have been known to the artisan, who is presumed to
possess skill rather than lack it (see In re Sovish, 769 F.2d
738, 742, 226 USPQ 771, 774 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
It is our conclusion that a prima facie case of
obviousness has been established with regard to the subject
matter recited in claim 1, and we therefore will sustain this
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