Appeal No. 2006-1546
Application No. 09/974,262
Yokota’s steering wheel airbag cover to enhance the rigidity of
the cover.
Appellants also argue that the width of the ribs (i.e.,
ridges) in Otsuka do not have a width at least as large as the
“central fracture section (or tear lines) 23” (i.e., “recess
region” in Otsuka) which they reinforce. (Brief, pages 12-13).
Moreover, Otsuka’s ribs (i.e., ridges) are not “astride” one or
more breakage parts (i.e., tear lines). (Brief, page 13).
Appellants refer to Figure 4, to show that Otsuka’s ribs (i.e.,
ridges) 26 are flush with the inner surface of the cover, rather
than “astride” the breakage part (i.e., tear line). (Brief,
page 13). Appellants also indicate that a “tear line,” as
conventionally understood, would correspond to Otsuka’s recessed
region (23), not merely the breakage part (16a). (Brief, pages
13-14). Appellants refer to Yokota’s tear lines 47a and 47b to
show that a “tear line” is generally an overall weakened,
grooved area. Appellants conclude that based on the
conventional definition of “tear line” the Examiner’s
interpretation of the breakage part as corresponding to the
“tear line” is unreasonable in light of the Otsuka disclosure.
(Brief, page 14).
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