Appeal 2007-1563
Application 10/462,067
absorbent core” (Chen, col. 2, ll. 20-24). Chen further discloses that the
webs and basesheets (i.e., a first three-dimensional patterned stabilized
absorbent layer) have very high “In-Plane Permeability” (i.e., in the length
and width directions) (Chen, col. 23, ll. 49-66; col. 26, ll. 24-26).
Chen further discloses that the basesheets (i.e., a first three-
dimensional patterned stabilized absorbent layer) may be “multi-ply
basesheet structures and laminates with one or more layers being the dual-
zoned webs described above” (Chen, col. 36, ll. 64-66). Chen discloses that
the “traditional fluff pulp absorbent core used in many absorbent articles
may be replaced by a series of resilient basesheet layers” (Chen, col. 36, ll.
66-67, col. 37, ll. 1-2).
We find that the properties (i.e., good wicking and rapid absorption of
liquids to the absorbent core) of Chen’s basesheets (i.e., a first three-
dimensional patterned stabilized absorbent layer) are identical to the surge
layer properties disclosed by Appellants. Accordingly, it is reasonable to
construe one of Chen’s basesheets (i.e., a first three-dimensional patterned
stabilized absorbent layer) in the multi-ply basesheet structure as being a
surge layer. Moreover, Chen discloses that traditional absorbent core
material may be replaced by several layers of basesheets (i.e., a first three-
dimensional patterned stabilized absorbent layer) according to the invention
(Chen, col. 36, ll. 64-67; col. 37, ll. 1-5), such that the two topmost
basesheets (i.e., a first three-dimensional patterned stabilized absorbent
layer) of the multi-ply basesheet structure could be construed as the liner and
surge layers, respectively.
Accordingly, we affirm the Examiner’s § 103(a) rejection of claims
48 and 51 over Chen in view of Hansen.
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