Appeal No. 2002-2246
Application No. 09/192,110
Pike discloses the split fibers are suitable for various uses including disposable articles, e.g.,
protective garments, sterilization wraps, wiper cloth and covers for absorbent articles. (Col.
10). Pike discloses the filaments can be laminated to other layers. (Cols. 10-11). Pike
discloses the bicomponent filaments are dried prior to bonding to other layers. (Col. 9).
Pike does not disclose the additional layer is combined with the bicomponent filaments prior
to splitting.
Hansen discloses the bicomponent fibers are eccentrically, concentrically or side-by-
side type. (Col. 3). Hansen discloses the bicomponent filaments are bound to other fibers
including superabsorbent polymers. (Col. 5). However, Hansen does not discloses the
bicomponents filaments are splitable. Thus, Hansen does not disclose the bicomponents
filaments are bound to absorbent fibers and/or superabsorbent particles prior to splitting.
We are not convinced that it would have been obvious to include fibers and particles
in the nonwoven composite of Pike as suggested by the Examiner. The Examiner has not
directed us to a basis for adding a third component to the filaments prior to splitting so as to
incorporate the third component within the matrix of Pike. Pike discloses the lamination of
the split filaments to additional layers. However, these layers are added to the filaments
after the matrix has been formed and are not incorporated within the matrix.
5
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007