Appeal No. 1999-1758
Application No. 08/787,971
of a beam clamp" as set forth in amended claim 1. The
examiner responded to this argument in the answer, page 6, by
pointing out that the angular clips (24, 77) in the
embodiments shown in the Figures 1 and 7 “only engage the
vertical rear edge of flange 30 and appears to be incapable of
engaging any flange surface whatsoever." Appellant responded
(reply brief, pages 1-2) with the argument that the claim
language requires that the “adaptor” and not only the clips
(24, 77) be "configured to releasably engage and grip at least
two adjacent or two opposing surfaces of a jaw of a beam
clamp." Appellant further points out that the rear wall (28)
of the adaptor engages only the face of the jaw (14) and then
alleges that clips (24) engage “the edges (i.e., adjacent
surfaces) and/or rear surfaces (i.e., surfaces opposite the
face of the jaw) of the jaw.”
We understand from the specification, page 6, line 16-32
and drawings Figures 1 and 7, that the angled fastener clips
(24, 77) are angled starting at the rear edge of the block
(26) and are adjustably fastened to the block (26) with screws
7
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