Appeal No. 2003-1176
Application No. 09/074,288
Rohrlach describes a molded panel (e.g., a vehicle door
inner panel) constructed of a substrate 11 of a continuous
filament glass reinforcement penetrated by a crosslinked rigid
polyurethane, which overlies a partly cellular (i.e., foamy)
high density lamina 12 of polyurethane, which in turn is adhered
to a finish face 13. (Figure 1a and 1b; column 1, lines 4-8 and
37-55; column 2, line 44 to column 3, line 20.) According to
Rohrlach, the crosslinked rigid polyurethane that penetrates or
embodies the filament glass substrate 13 is a foam material.
(Column 1, lines 36-49.)
Given these teachings, we agree with the examiner that
Rohrlach describes each and every limitation of the invention
recited in appealed claims 1 and 2. Specifically, we determine
that Rohrlach’s rigid foam material penetrating or embodying the
filament glass substrate 11 bonds (1) the partly cellular high
density lamina 12/finish face 13 structure, which corresponds to
the here recited “upholstery skin material,” to (2) the
substrate 11, which corresponds to the here recited “porous
substrate.” As in the appellants’ claimed invention, Rohrlach’s
substrate 11 “is held to a backside of the trim member that is
opposite of the upholstery skin material.” Accordingly, we hold
that Rohrlach describes every limitation of the claimed
invention within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 102(b). In re
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