Appeal No. 2004-1009
Application No. 09/785,382 Page 8
to achieve a snug fit. In this regard, we note that Scivoletto
(column 2, lines 59-61) discloses that elastic straps (tethers)
have the advantage of being adjustably sized for firmly holding a
hair dryer attachment. Thus, we determine that the examiner has
presented a prima facie case of obviousness with respect to the
subject matter of claim 6 that has not been fairly rebutted by
appellants. Consequently, we will sustain the examiner’s
§ 103(a) rejection of claim 6.
Claims 7 and 16
Concerning the wall mounting bracket of claims 7 and 16, the
examiner turns to Barr and Sampson in addition to the teachings
of Vallis. Barr (column 1, lines 5-12 and the drawing figures)
discloses a hair dryer caddy (mounting bracket) that includes
cavities for receiving the hair dryer and attachments. The caddy
may be attached to a wall. Sampson (for example, drawing figure
5) discloses that personal care devices, such as a toothbrush,
may be stored in caddies that include a plug (blades) for
insertion into an electrical outlet. Based on the combined
teachings of the applied references, the examiner has reasonably
determined that providing a wall mountable bracket for holding
the hair dryer and attachments of Vallis with blades for
providing an electrical outlet connection for power would have
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