Appeal No. 1998-2791 Page 6
Application No. 08/422,676
inflates the pillows (21). Thus, the body weight of the user
becomes supported by the inflated pillows (21) such that the
absorbent material (31) expands, whereby its absorption
capacity is increased.
We understand Whyte to disclose self-inflating absorbent
articles having a plurality of inflatable chambers which are
individually activated or inflated by absorption of bodily
fluids when in use. Although the articles are capable of
being activated or inflated by purposefully wetting the top
faces thereof, such use of the articles is neither disclosed
nor suggested by Whyte.
Kato and Lieberman both disclose inflatable devices, such
as balloons, bags, dolls and the like (column 1, lines 7-10,
of Lieberman and column 1, lines 35-44, of Kato) comprising
gas (carbon dioxide) evolving material and an activator
material (such as water) disposed in a gas-permeable enclosure
within the inflatable device and separated from one another by
a breakable barrier. Upon rupturing the breakable barrier by
application of pressure from the hands of the user, the
activator material and gas evolving material combine and react
to evolve gas, whereby the device is inflated.
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