Appeal 2006-3059
Application 10/293,725
1. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener 24 has a thread diameter T
of 0.212 inch, which is greater than the aperture 22 diameter “in the
general range of 0.200 inch” (Hasan, col. 3, l. 67 to col. 4, l. 3).
2. The tip 32 of fastener 24 is of a self-tapping configuration (Hasan, col.
4, ll. 13-14).
3. The sleeve 38 circumscribing the aperture 22 depends from the
underside 36 of the plate 10 a sufficient distance to receive and
maintain the fastener 24 perpendicular to the plate 10 and, in
particular, has a length L “dimensioned to span approximately at least
one [thread] pitch of the fastener” (Hasan, col. 4, ll. 27-32 and 46-52).
4. The fastener 24 “threadably engages the aperture 22” (Hasan, col. 4,
l. 59).
5. Hasan’s “plate is preferably provided to the installer as an assembly
with the fastener threaded into the hole in the plate” (Hasan, col. 2, ll.
51-53).
Appellants theorize that, rather than forming threads, “when the
slightly larger diameter screw passes through the hole of the relatively
lightweight material of the plate 10, the diameter of the hole in the plate is
expanded to accommodate the slightly larger diameter screw” (Appeal
Br. 3). This theory is not supported by evidence and is expressly belied by
the teachings of Hasan cited above.
Appellants additionally argue, in essence, that Hasan’s teaching that
the sleeve 38 maintains the fastener 24 perpendicular to the sleeve “without
shaving, penetrating or otherwise damaging the protective anti-corrosion
coating of the fastener” (Hasan, col. 4, ll. 57-59) indicates that the fastener
does not form a thread (Appeal Br. 3). Hasan is very clear, as discussed
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Last modified: September 9, 2013