Appeal 2007-0176
Application 11/050,553
(ii) silicone;
(iii) a cationic polymeric fabric-softening boosting component; and
(iv) optionally, one or more adjunct components;
wherein the auxiliary composition has a Flowability Index (FI) of
from about 0.5 to about 21, wherein
FI = P x R
wherein, P = the weight average primary particle size of the clay
expressed in micrometers, and R = the weight ratio of silicone to clay.
The Examiner relies upon the following reference as evidence of
obviousness:
Marteleur WO 92/07927 May 14, 1992
Appellants’ claimed invention is directed to an auxiliary, particulate
composition that is used to launder or treat fabrics, and the laundry detergent
composition comprising the auxiliary composition. The auxiliary
composition comprises a co-particulate admix of (a) clay, (b) silicone, and
(c) a cationic polymeric fabric-softening boosting component, such as
cationic guar gum.
Appealed claims 1, 2, 4-13, 15, 16, and 18-25 stand rejected under
35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over WO ‘927.
Appellants set forth separate arguments only for claims 15, 16, 24,
and 25. Accordingly, claims 2, 4-13, and 18-23 stand or fall together with
claim 1.
We have thoroughly reviewed each of Appellants’ arguments for
patentability. However, we are in complete agreement with the Examiner
that the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to one of ordinary
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