Appeal 2007-4259
Application 10/417,752
incorporation of opacifying agents into polymeric binders and DeWitt,
which discloses nonwoven formaldehyde-free webs having patterns and
designs, does suggest use of pigments or opacifying agents; but does not
suggest opacifying agents in resins containing N-methylol acrylamide (Br.
8). Appellants further contend that the addition of the Gorley reference
highlights the deficiency of the Iacoviello and De Witt combination (Br. 10-
11).
We do not find Appellants’ argument persuasive. The present record
does not support Appellants’ contention that a person of ordinary skill in the
art would not have found it obvious to incorporate opacifying agents in
resins containing N-methylol acrylamide. A review of the present record
reveals the following:
The Specification discloses that it was known to formulate an
opacifying coating containing pigment and a binder used to bind the pigment
to fabric (Specification 1).
Iacoviello discloses it was known to form bonded nonwoven fabrics
by impregnating, printing, or otherwise depositing an adhesive bonding
composition on a base web (Iacoviello, col. 1, ll. 26-28).
Iacoviello discloses the disposable nonwoven market segment has
become aware of the potential hazards of formaldehyde. Accordingly, the
use of formaldehyde-containing and formaldehyde-releasing polymers has
come under scrutiny (Iacoviello, col. 2, ll. 18-22).
Iacoviello discloses “[t]here is a need for an N-methylol acrylamide
containing binder for making nonwoven products containing low levels of
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