Appeal No. 2006-1546
Application No. 09/974,262
Otsuka describe how ramp 22, of the recess region 23
“confuse[s]” the flow of the resin near the breakage part and
changes the orientation of the resin. Otsuka is clear that ramp
22 of the recessed region 23 is provided for a completely
different purpose (i.e., controlling resin flow in molding) than
a tear line (i.e., providing a fracture location on an airbag
cover).
Accordingly, the Examiner’s position that Otsuka’s breakage
parts 16a and 16b correspond to the here claimed “tear lines” is
reasonable and consistent with both Otsuka’s and Appellants’
disclosure.
Having determined the breakage parts 16a and 16b to
correspond to the claimed “tear lines,” both the claimed ridge
width and the “astride” limitations are satisfied by Otsuka.
Otsuka teaches that the rib (i.e., ridge) 26 may have a
thickness (i.e., width) of 2.0 mm or less. (English Translation,
¶ [0037], Figure 5, reference character “t1”). The width of the
breakage part (i.e., tear line) 16a is 0.5 to 4.0 mm. (English
Translation, ¶ [0042], Figure 2, reference character “X”). From
Otsuka’s teachings, the rib (i.e., ridge) width may be selected
such that it is larger than the breakage part (i.e., tear line)
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