Appeal No. 2006-0983
Application No. 09/793,057
one side of the backing, wherein the plurality of hooks each have
at least one rounded end, and wherein each of the hooks “comprises
a polymer having a bulk flexural modulus in a range of 7 kpsi (48
MPa) to 30 kpsi (207 MPa).” As we noted supra, the examiner relies
on Tachauer for its teachings regarding hook components having soft
and flexible regions formed of a soft polymer having a flexural
modulus of between 10 and 60 kpsi, and considers that it would have
been obvious to incorporate a soft polymer material like that
taught in Tachauer to provide a non-abrasive, skin-friendly
fastening system in Goulait.
Appellants contend (brief, pages 5-6) that Tachauer teaches
forming at least a portion of the substrate or hook backing of a
more flexible, soft resin material, but does not disclose forming
hooks of the low flexural modulus resin. We find this line of
argument unpersuasive. More specifically, we direct appellants’
attention to Figure 5D of Tachauer and to the disclosure at column
6, lines 49-55, wherein it is specifically indicated that both the
hook backing or base (102) and a lower portion (104) of the hooks
(106) are formed of a polymer material having a flexural modulus
falling within appellants’ claimed range. Thus, considering the
disclosure of Tachauer along with that of Goulait of the
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