Appeal No. 1998-0210
Application No. 08/149,193
lines 51 through 53). It is for the latter reason that “the
ends of the bristles need not be pointed” (column 2, lines 53,
54). Claims 3 and 9 of the patent reveal a length between
about 1/16 inch and 1/4 inch for the bristles. Considering 22
the disclosed density of about 10 bristles per inch, it is
clear to us that one skilled in the art would understand
that the underside of the circular disc (flange) of Jordan,
Jr. would be exposed between bristles and would also be
capable of distributing weight over turf being walked on,
while the bristles additionally support weight and provide
traction. Based upon the overall Jordan, Jr. teaching, it is
quite apparent to us that one skilled in this art would have
fairly expected the bristles (protrusions) of Jordan, Jr. to
provide traction without doing damage to the turf surface
being walked on and without puncturing turf. For the above
reasons, we conclude that the Jordan, Jr. cleat is capable of
performing as the claimed golf shoe cleat. Thus, claim 138 is
anticipated by the Jordan, Jr. patent.
22As earlier indicated in footnote no. 11, this length
range overlaps appellant’s corresponding height range for the
ribs.
34
Page: Previous 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007