Appeal No. 1999-0193
Application 08/552,174
Noggle (see Figures 1 and 2) discloses a synthetic body
panel 10 joined to a metal body panel 40 by cup-like metal
attachment plates 30 inserted into apertures 20 in the panel
10 and welded to the panel 40. The overall joint structure is
similar to that disclosed by Wilfert; however, the Noggle
construction also includes an adhesive 50 bonding the metal
attachment plates 30 to the panel 10. According to Noggle
(see, for example, column 10, line 43 et seq.), the adhesive
enhances the strength of the joint.
Arguably, the examiner’s conclusion (see the paragraph
bridging pages 4 and 5 in the answer) that it would have been
obvious in view of Noggle to provide adhesive between
Wilfert’s sheet metal panel 1 and cup-like members 8 to
enhance the strength of the joint is well founded.
Nonetheless, the Wilfert joint as so modified would still lack
the clip part raised/offset portions recited in claims 1 and
7. Moreover, due to the addition of the adhesive, the Wilfert
joint apparently would no longer meet the limitations in these
claims requiring the free rim (or free rim portion) of the
clip part to be directly against the light sheet metal
component.
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