Appeal No. 2006-1546
Application No. 09/974,262
or two ridges are “astride” the total number of tear lines
present on the airbag cover, such that only one or two ridges
are present on the entire cover. However, the claim language
may also be construed to mean that only one or two ridges are
“astride” each of the tear lines on the airbag cover, such that
many ridges may be present, as long as each tear line has, at
most, two ridges.
During examination claim language is given its broadest
reasonable interpretation that is consistent with the
specification. In re Morris, 127 F.3d 1048, 1054, 44 USPQ2d
1023, 1027 (Fed. Cir. 1997). Additionally, a specification is
examined for whatever enlightenment by way of definitions or
otherwise it may provide to construing claim language. Id.
When interpreting a claim, the specification is usually the
single best guide to the meaning of disputed claim language.
Phillips v. AWH Corporation, 415 F.3d at 1315, 1321, 75 USPQ2d
at 1327, 1332.
Appellants’ specification does not provide any definitions
that would aid in determining the exact meaning of the claim
language. However, we do note that Appellants’ specification
does state that the number ridges 30 are “not limited to those
in the embodiments and may be changed as desired.”
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