Appeal No. 2002-1062 Page 6
Application No. 09/285,607
more of a plurality of locations” (column 1, lines 61-62). Anderson, which also is
directed to a green for use in a golf game, has an analogous objective, stating “wherein
the contour of the golf green may be selectively altered to provide the contour of each
of several differing natural greens on a golf course” (column 1, lines 35-38). Anderson
accomplishes this by suitable adjustment of a plurality of jacks which support the
playing surface from below and may be extended to varying distances (column 3, lines
32-45). As can clearly be appreciated from Figure 3, adjustment of the jacks can cause
depressions to be created in the surface in the area adjacent to the jacks, such as is
shown on the right side of the drawing, as well as protrusions in the surface, as
illustrated on the left side.
It is our conclusion that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the
art to modify the surface adjustment mechanism of the Lorrance putting green so that it
in addition to deforming the surface downwardly to create depressions, as disclosed, it
can deform the surface upwardly to create protrusions, suggestion being found in the
explicit teaching of Anderson that both can be provided on the same mat. This being
the case, the combined teachings of Lorrance and Anderson establish a prima facie
case of obviousness with regard to the subject matter of claim 3, and we will sustain the
rejection.
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