Appeal 2007- 0629
Application 10/419,765
I. BACKGROUND
The invention relates to padding for use as acoustical insulation in
automobiles. Claim 30 is illustrative of the subject matter on appeal:
30. A moldable and acoustically tunable gradient density padding
material of enhanced acoustical performance in frequencies of from about
100 to 2500 Hz for use in an automobile, comprising:
a single layer of nonwoven material having an air flow resistance of
about 200 to 4000 MKS Rayls, at least about 65% thermosplastic fibers, and
a weight of about 0.5 to 9 oz/ft2, said nonwoven material having at least one
surface thereof processed to avoid complete melting of the fibers at an
outermost surface thereof and to form an increased density portion which
constitutes from about 5 to 80% of the thickness of the nonwoven material.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references to show
unpatentability:
Fleming, Jr. US 3,660,222 May 2, 1972
Vair, Jr. US 6,217,691 Apr. 17, 2001
Aneja US 6,602,581 B2 Aug. 5, 2003
Celanese Acetate, Complete Textile Glossary, polypropylene fiber entry
(2001)
Claims 30-35, 38, and 39 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as
unpatentable over Vair as evidenced by Complete Textile Glossary. To
reject claim 36, the Examiner adds Aneja. To reject claim 37, the Examiner
adds Fleming.
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