Appeal No. 1997-0144
Application No. 08/424,223
reconstruct the knittable yarn of Bettcher so as to result in a
structure which is responsive to that set forth in the claims
before us on appeal. Given the strong emphasis in Bettcher that
the synthetic fiber (20) of the core and the first wrapping (12)
of the composite yarn therein be a high strength relatively
nonstretchable synthetic fiber, i.e., one having a tensile
strength of about 400,000 lbs./sq. in. and higher (col. 3, lines
3-7 and col. 4, lines 20-24), we see no reasonable basis upon
which to conclude that it would have been obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art to replace the high strength Kevlar
core fiber (20) and high strength Kevlar first wrapping (12) of
the yarn in Bettcher with a liquid crystal polymer fiber having a
tenacity of no more than 10 grams per denier, as has been urged
by the examiner.
The mere fact that Robins with its knitted stainless steel
covering yarn (12) may be willing to place a normal strength
yarn, such as nylon, as the core (11) of a composite knittable
fiber for making cut-resistant apparel, provides no teaching or
suggestion for making that same modification in Bettcher by
replacing the core fiber (20) and first wrapping (12) therein,
which Bettcher teaches must have a tensile strength of not less
9
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