Appeal 2007-1460
Application 10/481,336
compressive force” from the tightening force applied to the tightening member 28,
thereby satisfying the claimed limitation of “pressed by tightening fixtures”
(Answer 5). The issues before us are whether Appellants have shown that the
Examiner erred in finding that Fukushima discloses a detachable crawler as recited
in claim 1 and teaches or suggests the detachable crawler recited in claim 2.
FINDINGS OF FACT
The relevant facts are:
1. Fukushima discloses a rubber crawler belt comprising a detachable lug
unit and a rubber belt unit (Fukushima 4).
2. The rubber belt unit includes a metal core 21 having an engaging unit 22
for a driving wheel and a rolling rail surface 23 for a rolling wheel
(Fukushima 5 and Figs. 3 and 6).
3. The metal core 21 is provided with a plurality of holes 24 having a
predetermined depth (Fukushima 5).
4. The lug unit 40 includes a substrate 41, steel pipes 42, and rubber 45.
The steel pipes are bonded to the substrate such that they correspond in
location to the plurality of holes 24 of metal core 21 (Fukushima 5).
5. The rubber 31 of rubber belt unit 20 is located between the metal core 21
and the outer surface 47 of lug unit 40, when assembled. The depth of
the holes 24 and the length of the projected portions of the steel pipes 42
are predetermined such that the surface 33 of the rubber belt unit and an
outer surface 47 of the substrate 41 of the lug unit come in contact with
4
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