Appeal No. 2001-1530
Application No. 08/981,676
Appellant's invention relates to a keyboard and key and telephone apparatus
with such a keyboard. An understanding of the invention can be derived from a reading
of exemplary claim 12, which is reproduced below.
12. A key for inputting characters said key having a face adapted to be
engaged for actuation of said key, said key being arranged to correlate to
a character in response to pressing once on said face of said key, said
key being arranged to move when pressed in a direction generally normal
to said face, said key having a main contact pad which is always activated
when said key is pressed in said direction and at least one edge contact
pad which is activated, in addition to the main contact pad, when said key
is pressed in said direction at a point of said edge contact pad or close to
said point, wherein an activation by said key of predetermined contact
pads corresponds to an inputting of a predetermined character, and
wherein said main contact pad and said at least one edge contact pad are
separate and spaced from one another.
The prior art of record relied upon by the examiner in rejecting the appealed
claims is as follows:
Strauch et al. (Strauch) 5,861,823 Jan. 19, 1999
Claims 3-5, 10-12, 14-16 and 18-23 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102 as
being anticipated by Strauch. Claims 6 and 9 stand rejected under U.S.C. § 103 as
being unpatentable over Strauch.
Rather than reiterate the conflicting viewpoints advanced by the examiner and
appellant regarding the above-noted rejections, we make reference to the examiner's
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