Appeal No. 2002-1507 5
Application No. 09/196,87
thereof “exactly how many times the strand is folded back upon itself.” On this basis, we
conclude that the applied references do not teach a leader comprising a single length of
monofilament line folded upon itself to provide at least four strand portions. Moreover,
and notwithstanding the examiner’s view to the contrary, the applied references also do
not disclose or suggest a fly fishing leader having at least one knot free integral loop at
each end of the leader. While Orvis certainly discloses a leader having a loop at each
end, it is simply not possible to discern precisely how these loops are formed, i.e., whether
they are “knot free” and “integral.” Further, the examiner has not explained, and it is not
apparent to us, how Gregoire could be modified in light of the teachings of Orvis to provide
knot free integral loops at each end while retaining the single length of monofilament line
construction called for by the claims. Under these circumstances, the standing rejection of
the appealed claims cannot be sustained.
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