Interference No. 105,019
Correa v. Roberts
reference"), which discloses the use of embossed channels along the longitudinal edges of a
sanitary napkin to contain liquid and prevent leakage by directing the edge of the sanitary napkin
upwards during use (Column 2, lines 55-68). It is evident from Figures I and 2 that the portion
folding up during use does not extend the entire length of the sanitary napkin. In colurrm 5, lines
27-3 1, it is stated: "Wells are formed and an occlusive container is formed thereby allowing the
sanitary napkin to hold more exudate while minimizing side leakage of fluid from the central
region of the sanitary napkin." As is the case of the recited cuff in Correa's claim 1, which is to
provide a region for containing liquid, the folding-up portion of the sanitary napkin of the
Romans-Hess reference is used to contain liquid.
In light of the above-noted teachings of the Lawson '246 reference and the Romans-Hess
reference, and in recognition of the level of ordinary skill agreed to by the parties, we conclude
that the application of a cuff length to core length ratio within the range specified in Correa's
claims 7 and 8 to the subject matter of Correa's claim I which is regarded as prior art would have
been obvious over either the Lawson '246 reference or the Romafis-Hess reference. It is not
necessary that the gasketing cuffs 56 of the Lawson '246 reference or the embossed channels 3 of
the Romans-Hess reference be identical to the cuffs of Correa's claim 1. The teaching needed is
more general and simply that a cuff or folding-up portion along the edge of the absorbent core
need not extend the entire length of the absorbent core to be useful in containing liquid or
exudates. Given that the cuff need not extend the entire length and given the level of ordinary
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