Appeal No. 2006-1354
Application No. 10/337,026
Malin also discloses a “reclosable package or bag (col. 1,
lines 6-9). Malin’s reclosable bag 44 has opposing walls 42 and
43 and a zipper assembly comprising two profile interlocks 16,
20 engageable with each other. Each profile interlock includes
respective flanges 24, 26 so the zipper assembly may be bonded
to the opposing walls 42, 43 via sealant 30 through connecting
strips 34, 36 (Figures 2 and 3; col. 3, lines 44-46, 53-61).
Connecting strip 36 includes peel seal 38 that is secured to
wall 43 (col. 4, lines 1-4). Peel seal 38 provides an internal
seal “better able to withstand internal opening forces of the
package 44” (col. 4, lines 6-8).
According to the examiner, “[t]he peel seal material 38 in
Malin meets the recited ‘sealing strip’ because it is
free of connection from the flange portions 24, 26 to the degree
that the peel seal material 38 is not in direct contact with the
flanges. Furthermore, the peel seal material 38 extends from
wall 43 to wall 42 via connecting strip 36” (Answer, page 4).
Appellants argue that:
[i]t is respectfully submitted that this is
essentially a layer of adhesive-type
material serving as a connection between
strip 36 and bag wall 43 that does not
-6-
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007