Appeal 2006-2838
Application 10/257,576
mechanism, and a pawl, which catches the ratchet teeth to permit motion in one
direction only.
Durbin discloses a nut-and-bolt lock whereby the nut is prevented from
unscrewing on the bolt (Durbin, p. 1, ll. 11-14).
Durbin discloses that the nut-and-bolt lock includes a washer 4, which is
constructed of thin sheet spring metal (Durbin, p. 1, ll. 34-35).
Durbin discloses that the washer 4 has pawls 5 that are constructed by
cutting radial-shaped slits in the face of the washer and then slightly turning the
free end outwardly (Durbin, p. 1, ll. 35-39).
The nut 7 of Durbin’s nut-and-bolt lock has ratchet teeth 10 provided on its
flange portion 9 (Durbin, p. 1, ll. 44-46).
When the nut 7 is screwed on the bolt, the ratchet teeth 10 are brought into
engagement with the pawls 5 on the washer 4 to lock the device (Durbin, p. 1, ll.
53-57).
Durbin discloses pawls on the washer. Durbin does not disclose ratchet
teeth on the washer.
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
“A claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the
claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art
reference.” Verdegaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631, 2
USPQ2d 1051, 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 827 (1987).
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