Appeal No. 2004-1920 Page 3 Application No. 09/302,1999 OPINION In reaching our decision in this appeal, we have given careful consideration to the appellant's specification and claims, to the applied prior art references, and to the respective positions articulated by the appellant and the examiner. As a consequence of our review, we make the determinations which follow. The appellant’s invention relates to a means for driving a hollow pole, such as those used to support beach umbrellas, into the ground, and removing it from the ground. Claim 1 is directed to the combination of an impact tool with a hollow pole. The claim recites a hollow pole and a ring member having top and bottom surfaces and an annular outer circumference mounted on the mid-section of the pole. It also recites an impact tool comprising a cylindrically shaped sleeve having open ends defining a center channel having an annular circumference greater than that of the annular ring, and first and second weight members mounted within the center channel on opposed sides of the annular ring member such that the first and second weight members can impact the top and bottom surfaces of the annular ring member when the sleeve is moved in downward strokes or upward strokes to cause the pole to be moved into or out of the ground.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007