Appeal No. 2002-0970
Application 09/181,814
DISCUSSION
Molitor discloses a golf ball 10 composed of an external
hollow shell 14 and a unitary internal core 12 made of either
liquid or solid material (see Figures 1 through 4). Although the
reference goes into considerable detail as to the composition of
these components and the manner in which the ball is
manufactured, it does not mention, let alone attach any
importance to, the secondary natural frequency of the ball.
In rejecting independent claims 1 and 11 under §§ 102(b)3
and 103(a), the examiner finds (see pages 3, 4, 6 and 7 in the
answer) that Molitor’s golf ball expressly meets the limitations
in these claims requiring “a hollow core composed of a hollow
portion and at least one hollow core outer layer defining the
hollow portion,” and inherently meets the limitations relating to
the “secondary natural frequency.” Neither of these findings is
well taken.
The examiner’s determination that the “hollow core”
limitation is met rests on the proposition that “Molitor
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