Appeal No. 1997-2162
Application 08/280,430
cert. denied, 519 U.S. 822 (1996) (citing W.L. Gore & Assoc.,
Inc. v. Garlock, Inc., 721 F.2d 1540, 1548, 220 USPQ 303, 309
(Fed. Cir. 1983), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 851 (1984)).
We find that Gary teaches in col. 4, lines 6 through 57
and Fig. 1 a wheelchair lift with a horizontal platform 20 and
fixed sides 32 mounted on an elevator frame 50 which provides
for the vertical motion of the platform. The whole assembly
rests on the supporting frame 60 which is equipped with
casters 62 for movement of the lift. Gary further teaches
that multiple hinges connect a back panel 30 to the rear edge
of the platform allowing it to provide a ramp in its open
position and to form a backstop when it is closed. However,
in col. 7, lines 7 through 9, Gary teaches that the front
panel 34 is attached either to the vertical edge of the side
panel forming a gate or to the platform forming a ramp.
Turning to Nordskog, we find that in col. 5, lines 14 through
27 and Fig. 6 a wheelchair lift is shown with doors 38 at its
ends and a removable ramp 142 connected to the edge of the
cabin platform at one end which allows entry into the lift
car. The ramp is removable and is placed on the interior wall
of the lift car after the wheelchair is in the car. We
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