Appeal No. 2003-0802 Page 3
Application No. 09/180,108
(c)-a hydrophobic nonionic surfactant of the formula CxPOyEOy’ H wherein C represents
the hydrocarbon chain of an alcohol, wherein x represents the length of the chain and is from 9
to 18, PO represents propoxy groups, EO represents ethoxy groups and y and y’ represent,
respectively the number of said groups and the sum of y and y is from 2 to 7; and
(d)-a sulfated anionic surfactant which is an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate wherein the alkyl
group contains 12-14 carbon atoms and the degree of ethoxylation is from 1 to 5; and
(b)-a C8-C18 alcohol;
in weight ratios of (c):(b) of from about 5:1 to about 25:1, and of (d):(c) of from about
1:1 to about 1:10.
16. A composition according to Claim 14, which additionally comprises from about 0.5%
to about 5% by weight of the total composition, of a builder system comprising a carbonate and a
polycarboxylate salt.
We affirm with respect to both rejections for the reasons that follow.
OPINION
Claim 14
Claim 14 is rejected as anticipated, or alternatively obvious, over Evers. As
acknowledged by Appellants (Brief, ¶ bridging pp. 2 and 3), Evers essentially incorporates a
short chain surfactant, i.e., a surfactant with a C6-C10 alkyl chain, into a cleaning composition
used primarily for cleaning hard surfaces (Evers, col. 1, ll. 7-11). The short chain surfactant
solves stability problems in the concentrate (Evers, col. 1, ll. 49-63). Evers lists numerous
anionic and nonionic short chain surfactants for use in the cleaner (Evers, col. 2, ll. 21-59).
Evers also indicates that those short chain surfactants may be used in combination with long
chain surfactants (Evers, col. 3, ll. 33-37). The long chain surfactants include those listed as
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