Appeal 2006-1804
Application 09/825,609
Fujioka solves the above-noted problem by providing an absorbent
article having a backing layer 22 (Fig. 1(C) embodiment) or 31 (Fig. 6(B)
embodiment) made of liquid-impermeable material but provided with
centrally located openings 22a (Fig. 1(C)) or 31a (Fig. 6(B)) to permit
passage of liquid from the absorbent core 23 through the central area of the
backing sheet (col. 4, ll. 30-35; col. 8, l. 19-39). Fujioka’s openings 22a or
31a are situated substantially at the center of the absorbing area (absorbent
core 23) and the area of the openings 22a is smaller than that of the
absorbing area (col. 4, ll. 41-43), while the openings 31a cover the absorbent
core almost entirely (col. 8, ll. 31-32). The absorbent core absorbs a large
portion of the urine but permits any remaining urine exceeding the absorbing
capacity of the core to pass through the openings 22a or 31a in the backing
layer to be absorbed by the absorbent body 4 of the disposable diaper 1.
Upon passing through the openings 22a or 31a, the urine moves mostly to
the center of the absorbent body 4 of the diaper where it is absorbed. The
urine thus will not leak at the sides of the diaper (col. 6, l. 54 to col. 7, l. 10).
The Examiner concedes that Fujioka lacks a continuous fluid
impermeable delay layer, as recited in claim 1 (Answer 4). Independent
claims 10 and 19 also require a continuous fluid impermeable delay layer.
5
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013