Appeal 2006-2300 Application 10/615,746 space together with reinforcing webs such as glass fiber fabric” (Hoffmann, col. 1, ll. 21-24). 18) According to Hoffmann, a problem with conventional glass fiber fabrics is that they cannot prevent the formation of gas bubbles underneath the upper facing as the foam expands (Hoffmann col. 1, ll. 45-48). 19) Hoffmann solves this problem by using a meshwork web having openings of a particular size (see Hoffmann, col. 2, ll. 15-20 and 33-37). 20) Hoffmann discloses that the meshwork web may be made of any of the materials typically used for reinforcing webs, such as glass fibers, metal fibers or wires (Hoffmann, col. 2, ll. 44-47). 21) In one embodiment, Hoffmann discloses the formation of a foam laminated with facings using a composite layer of an aluminum foil and meshwork web (Hoffmann, col. 5, ll. 22-26). 22) The Specification states that “[a] composite web comprises a low binder fiber mat disposed onto a support mat prior to conveying either the low binder fiber mat or the support mat into a fiber reinforced foam fabrication process” (Specification 4:8-10). 23) The Specification states that low binder fiber mats typically comprise multiple fibers held together by some binder “to facilitate handling, but theoretically need not have any binder” (Specification 3:31-4:1). 24) According to the Specification, “[s]uitable fibers include “glass fibers, polymer fibers, ceramic fibers, metal fibers, and organic fibers such as cotton or wool.” Most preferably, the fibers are glass fibers. (Specification 3:11-13). 7Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013