Appeal No. 1999-0565
Application 08/700,526
have been obvious to use disk support members with a high wear
resistance so that the disk would be protected for a longer
period of time.
Appellant’s second argument is that the artisan would
not look to Takahashi to modify the high wear resistant and
high lubricity support member of the admitted prior art
because Takahashi teaches silicone rubber disk support members
with rough top surfaces and Takahashi also uses additional
support surfaces along the outer rim of the disk as well
[brief, page 6]. The examiner responds that the rough top
surface in Takahashi is used to prevent the disk from sticking
to the support member, and therefore, the rough surface
operates to improve lubricity [answer, page 8]. The examiner
also responds that the language of claim 1 does not preclude
additional support members along the outer periphery of the
disk [id., page 9].
We agree with the examiner’s position as set forth in
the answer. Takahashi does not teach away from support
members having high wear resistance and high lubricity. The
construction of the plural support members in Takahashi is
consistent with these properties. Takahashi is only being
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