Appeal No. 2005-1988
Application No. 09/822,651
is more than one row of loop components in Thomas, which is a
plurality of discrete polymeric regions.
With regard to “a plurality of stems extending from each
discrete polymeric region”, appellants argue extensively that
Thomas does not disclose “stems”. In the reply brief, appellants
argue that Thomas uses the term “stems” in connection with only
hooks, and not loops. Reply brief, page 2.
Appellants’ Figure 1 shows stems 12. The specification, on
page 4, at line 19, discloses “web 10 having stems 12 arranged in
numerous discrete patches or regions 14 on web surfaces 18.” On
page 4, line 21, the specification discloses “[t]he stems 12 are
protrusions extending from web 10, and web 10 is a substrate that
may be configured for the formation and holding of the stems 12.”
In view of the above, appellants’ specification indicates
that the stems are protrusions extending from web 10. The issue
therefore is whether Thomas discloses such a structure
(protrusions extending from a web).
Upon our review of Thomas in this regard, Figure 2 of Thomas
shows substrate 24 having loops 22. Figure 1 shows loops 22
having a base 26, and shank 28, and a distal end 30. This is
further exemplified in Figure 3, and described in column 5, lines
5-16 of Thomas. Figure 3 shows a protrusion extending from
substrate 24. This is the same structure as provided in
appellants’ specification. Hence, we agree with the examiner
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