Appeal 2007-1252
Application 10/915,714
and being compressed between two walls. The Examiner reasons that it would
have been obvious to modify Bernardi to include such a sealing member.
Thus, the issue before us is whether it would have been obvious to modify
Bernardi to include a sealing member disposed on the coupling member and
abutting the first end of the coupler housing connected thereto as claimed in
independent claims 1, 19, and 34.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Bernardi teaches a plug device for a standard connector. See abstract. The
plug device allows a standard connector, such as a RJ45 type connector, to be
ruggedized so that it can be used in an industrial environment. (Col. 2, ll. 7-11.)
The plug device includes a link part or coupler housing (item 28) which is
externally threaded on two ends. The coupler housing receives a plug adapter and
plug body (together they form a coupler member) (items 22 and 20). The plug
adapter is made up of two parts (items 24 and 26) that receive the connector. The
plug body is internally threaded and is attached to the external threads on one end
of the coupler housing. See figures 8A and 8B. The other end of the coupler
housing receives a packing (item 32) and packing body (item 30). When the
packing body is tightened on the coupler housing, the packing clamps the cord.
(See figure 8B and col. 4, ll. 36-47.) There are numerous items in the figures of
Bernardi which are neither numbered nor described in the Specification, one of
which is what appears to be a washer (a type of sealing member) inside of the plug
body (item 20), which the coupler housing (item 28) abuts when inserted. (See
figures 8A and 8b.)
Katwala teaches an electrical plug with a nameplate secured thereto. See
abstract. Katwala teaches an electrical contact retainer body (item 16) within a
connector housing (figure 2, items 14, 30 and 32). There are numerous items in
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