Appeal No. 1996-3350
Application 08/187,114
enclosures are preferable (column 3, lines 64-67), Clabburn
also discloses the following:
Where the tubular article is elastomeric, it may
be urged into conforming engagement with the electrical
apparatus by simply pushing it onto the electrical
apparatus, the elasticity of the article enabling it
to conform closely to the contours thereof. In another
embodiment the elastomeric tubular article may be
“held-out” in a stretched state by an inner or outer
hold-out member which can be removed or displaced,
the
elastic stresses released thereby urging the tubular
article to recover into conforming engagement with
the electrical apparatus. (Column 3, lines 50-60,
see the Answer, page 4).
Therefore the examiner finds that Clabburn discloses all of
the claimed elements except use of a tubular support to “hold-
out” the elastic sleeve (Answer, page 4).
The examiner cites Nelson for the teaching of an elastic
tubular member supported in a stretched condition on an easily
removable core or tubular support (id.). The examiner thus
concludes that it would have been obvious to one having
ordinary skill in the art to have applied the tubular core of
Nelson to the sleeve of Clabburn to maintain the sleeve in a
“held-out” position (Answer, page 5). We agree.
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