Appeal No. 2003-1272 Page 34
Application No. 10/039,338
in a variety of configurations, and may be formed with an arcuate, triangular or
rectangular cross section. (Emphasis added).
On page 5 of the specification, appellants state that "the cleat maintains its resiliency for
"traction." (Emphasis added). On page 6 of the specification, appellants explain that
"[a] plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of generally
concavo-convex flange 12." (Emphasis added). On this same page of the specification,
appellants state that "[p]referably, ribs 15 are triangular, but with rounded edges to
provide the best compromise between traction and damage to the turf." (Emphasis
added). The Abstract of the disclosure states that "traction ribs 15 are formed on the
bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12." (Emphasis added).
In short, the quoted excerpts from appellants' specification provide more than
ample written description for "protrusions," "traction members" and "traction elements"
on a golf spike that do not damage or puncture golf turf. Stated differently, the
disclosed traction ribs 15 are "protrusions" from the flange, and they function as either
"traction members" or "traction elements."
The majority's and Judge Bahr's concern over what other shapes besides
ribs/ridges will perform the same function of the traction ribs is not our concern in an ex
parte examination of appellants' disclosed and claimed invention for written description
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