Appeal No. 2001-0224
Application 09/045,511
the meatloaf pan. Id.
The above-noted features allow the insert to serve as a
cutting board upon removal from the meatloaf pan. Specifically,
because the hinging means opens along the longitudinal edge of
the device, the meatloaf may be cut perpendicular to the
elongated centerline of the meatloaf as is conventionally done,
while the meat is still positioned on the insert. Appeal Brief,
page 5. Further, the insert stands support the device above a
counter. Id.; specification, page 10, line 16 - page 11, line 1.
The flanges also serve to separate the insert bottom from the
bottom of the meatloaf pan thereby allowing runoff of grease form
the insert bottom and into the bottom of the meatloaf pan during
baking. Specification, page 10, lines 7-13.
DISCUSSION
The initial burden of presenting a prima facie
case of obviousness rests on the examiner. In re Oetiker,
977 F.2d 1443, 1445, 24 USPQ2d 1443, 1444 (Fed. Cir. 1992).
A proper analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 requires, inter alia,
consideration of two factors: (1) whether the prior art would
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